Summer Corn Chowder

Recently I visited Panera bread and had their Summer Corn Chowder for lunch. It was good, so good that I wanted to find a comparable recipe for my own. After many reviews I visited my dear friend's website, perhaps you've heard of her.... MarthaStewart.com. I know it has 1 1/2 cups of half and half, I know it's nothing but carbs..it's "carbo-licious" as my other good friend Suzanne would say. Especially if you make the Avocado Bruschetta, which I did. By the way, if you are unsure of the Poblano Chile don't be! It adds no heat as long as you don't use the vein or the seeds. It's a very mild pepper, I prefer it over a bell pepper. Also, I did not use the bacon. Instead I coated the pan with a few tablespoons of olive oil and began with step 2.

For the Soup:
1 small onion, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch dice (1 c.)
2 ribs celery, strings removed, cut into 1/2 inch dice (3/4 c.)
8 sprigs thyme (FYI 1 sprig is not a leaf but an entire stem)
Salt and Pepper
3 cups homemade or low-sodium canned chicken stock, skimmed of fat
3 ears yellow corn, kernels removed (about 2 1/2 cups)
5 oz. small fingerling potatoes, cut into 1/2 in. thick slices (*can be found at Kroger beside the squash)
1 poblano chile, seeded and cut into 1/2 inch dice
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
For the Garnish:
4 teaspoons bacon, cut into 1/4 inch dice

1. Place bacon in small stockpot over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bacon is deep golden brown and all the fat has been rendered, about 4 minutes. Remove bacon with slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel, and set aside. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat.
2. Add onions, celery, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste to stockpot; cook over medium-low heat until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add stock; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; simmer 15 minutes.
3. Add corn, potatoes, and chile; cook until potatoes are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and discard thyme. Add half-and-half, and simmer until soup is hot. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with the reserved crisp bacon pieces.