Salmon Chowder

INGREDIENTS

1 lb

yukon gold potatoes, (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes)

8 oz

sliced bacon, (cut in half (I used nitrate-free Applewood Smoked Bacon))

1 tbsp

unsalted butter

1/2

small onion, (diced)

scallions, (chopped - both white and green parts)

2 cups

fresh or frozen corn

1 tbsp

fresh thyme leaves

1/8 tsp

crushed red pepper flakes

medium cloves of garlic, (minced)

bay leaf

bottle clam juice

3 cups

half-and-half, (plus 1/2 cup addition milk if needed)

1 1/2 lb

salmon fillets, (wild caught skin removed and cut into 1-inch pieces)

salt

1/2 tsp

fresh ground black pepper

1/4 tsp

lemon zest

Lemon wedges and fresh chopped fresh chives for serving