Scallop and Bacon Chowder

1 cup (packed) fresh Italian parsley
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 ounces bacon, coarsely chopped
2 large leeks (white and pale green parts only), thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 (8 oz.) bottles clam juice
1 cup whipping cream
1 pound bay scallops, connective tissue removed


Blend parsley, oil, and salt in blender until smooth. Pour into small bowl.
Cook bacon in heavy large pot over medium-high heat until crisp and brown. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 3 tablespoons drippings from pot. Add leeks, garlic, and thyme to pot and saute until leeks begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add corn and saute 2 minutes. Add potatoes, clam juice, and cream; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Add scallops and bacon and simmer until scallops are just opaque in center, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle chowder into bowls. Drizzle 1 teaspoon parsley oil atop chowder in each bowl and serve.