Shaker Fresh Cranberry Bean Chowder

Name: Shaker Fresh Cranberry Bean Chowder
Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh cranberry beans (shell beans) in the pod; 4-ounce slab (unsliced) bacon, rind removed and cut into 1/3-inch dice; 1 clove garlic, finely chopped (1 teaspoon); 1 large onion (12 ounces), cut into 1/2-inch dice; 2 to 3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed and chopped (1 teaspoon); 1 dried bay leaf; 5 cups chicken stock, chicken broth, or water; 1 pound ripe tomatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice, with their juice, or 1 1/2 cups diced (1/2-inch) canned tomatoes with their juices; 2 tablespoons dark molasses; Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper; 3 scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish