Crab and Corn Chowder

2 Tbsp unsalted butter
4 slices oscar myer ready to serve bacon, crumbled
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
4 sprigs fresh or 1 tsp dry thyme
salt and pepper to taste
1 - 2 tsp tabasco sauce (to taste)
3 cups fat free half and half
2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
2 cups unsalted chicken stock
2 Tbsp all purpose flour
1 cup frozen shredded potatoes
6 oz lump crab meat, broken up
1 cup frozen corn kernels
chopped chives of parsley for garnish

In a large pot over medium high heat, ,elt butter. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, bacon and thyme. Season with salt and pepper and hot sauce and cook for approx. 5 minutes. Stir in flour and old bay and cook for 1 minute more.
Whisk in hal and half, then stir in chicken stock. Bring to a bubble then stir in frozen potatoes and simmer until cooked. Add crabmeat and corn and continue to simmer until heated through. 6 servings.

Number of Servings: 6