Zucchini Corn Chowder

carton vegetable or chicken stock

ears sweet corn, husked, corn kernels cut off

large zucchini, diced

ribs celery, chopped

russet potatoes, optional, peeled and diced

carrot, peeled and chopped

garlic, minced

yellow onion, chopped

strips bacon, chopped

half-and-half

bay leaf

dried thyme

dried rosemary

cayenne pepper, optional, plus more for garnish

fresh parsley, garnish

kosher salt and freshly ground pepper,