Corn Chowder

Name: Corn Chowder
Ingredients: 4 slices thick-cut bacon; 7 ears fresh corn or 5 cups frozen corn kernels (do not thaw); 1 large yellow onion; 3 medium celery stalks; 2 medium carrots; 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes (about 3 medium); 2 cloves garlic; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth; 1 (about 15-ounce) can creamed corn; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 small bunch fresh chives; 1 cup heavy cream; Oyster crackers, for serving (optional)