Cold Day Corn Chowder

Name: Cold Day Corn Chowder
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 thick slices bacon, chopped; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped; 2 stalks celery, finely chopped; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 bay leaves; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 large russet potato (about 12 ounces), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks; 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream; 3 to 4 cups frozen fresh corn kernels (from 6 ears fresh corn) or 8-ounce store bought packages frozen corn, thawed and drained; Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish