Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder

Ingredients

• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more or less, to taste)
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (more or less, to taste)
• 6 slices lean thick cut bacon, cut into small pieces
• 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 2 large ears if using fresh)
• 3 averaged sized russet potatoes, peeled and diced into about 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
• 2 small zucchini, sliced into half moons (about 1-1/2 cups sliced)