In a stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the bacon strip and fry until the bacon renders its fat, but doesn't begin to brown. Add the onion and saute until soft. Add the carrot and celery and cook for 5 minutes until they begin to turn tender.

1.   In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the bacon strip (skip this step for vegetarian option, just add more butter) and fry until the bacon renders its fat, but doesn't begin to brown, 3 or 4 minutes. Add the onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, until soft. Add the carrot and celery and cook for 4 or 5 more minutes.

2.   Pour the corn into the stockpot. Add the milk, chicken broth, bay leaves and potatoes. Bring to a boil, stirring continuously for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to simmer, cover the pot and cook for 20 minutes.

3.   Discard the bay leaves. Add the cooked chicken and increase the heat. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, fresh ground pepper to taste, bring to a simmer and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and serve. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and bacon crumbles.

(For a thicker chowder, melt 3 Tbs butter in the microwave. As soon as you remove the butter, whisk in 2 Tbs all purpose flour until smooth. Pour butter/flour mixture into the pot and stir well. Bring to a boil for 3 minutes or until mixture thickens. Remove from heat and serve.)