Farmhouse Chicken and Corn Chowder

INGREDIENTS

slices bacon, minced

4 tsp

vegetable oil

1/2 cup

minced onion

garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp

tomato paste

2 tsp

minced fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried

1/4 cup

all-purpose flour

5 cups

chicken broth

1 lb

red potatoes (about 3 medium), scrubbed and cut into ½-inch chunks

carrots, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick

bay leaves

to 3 boneless , skinless chicken breasts (depending on how much chicken you want, I use 3)

Salt and pepper

red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and cut into ½-inch pieces

1 15 ounce can

creamed corn

1/2 cup

heavy cream

2 tsp

minced canned chipotle chile in adobo

3 tbsp

minced fresh basil

1 1/2 cups

Grated sharp cheddar cheese