Corn Chowder with Bacon

8 slices of bacon, chopped

1 cup onion, diced

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup flour

2 cups chicken stock

2 cups heavy cream or half and half

2 cans (14.75 oz) cream style corn

2 cans (15 oz) white corn, drained

2 cans (14.5 oz) diced new potatoes, drained

1-2 bay leaves

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper (or to taste)

chives for garnish

Directions

In a large pot on medium-high heat, place chopped bacon and cook until crisp

Remove bacon from pot and drain on a plate lined with paper towels

Drain all but one tablespoon of bacon grease from the pot

Place diced onion in tablespoon of bacon grease and saute until translucent and soft

Add butter and allow to melt

Sprinkle in flour and stir until flour, butter, and onions are combined

Pour in chicken stock and stir until thickened

Add remainder of ingredients to the pot and simmer on low for 20 minutes

Serve with reserved bacon and chives on top