Zucchini Corn Chowder

butter

strips bacon, chopped

chopped yellow onion, about ½ large onion

garlic cloves, minced

ground thyme

medium (1 lb.) potatoes, peeled, diced into ½-inch cubes

chicken broth

ears of sweet fresh corn, husk + silk removed and kernels cut from cob (2¾ cup corn)

medium zucchini, diced into ½-inch cubes, (1½ cups)

half and half or whipping cream

salt

black pepper

chopped fresh parsley, to garnish

cayenne pepper, to serve, optional

jalepeno, diced