Clam Corn Chowder

Name: Clam & Corn Chowder
Ingredients: 2 corn, husked; 2 strips bacon, chopped; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cups diced onion; 1 cup diced celery; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 bay leaf; ⅓ cup white whole-wheat flour; 3 (6.5 ounce) cans chopped clams, drained, juices reserved; 2 cups clam juice; 4 cups diced waxy potatoes, such as yellow or red; 2 cups whole milk; ½ teaspoon ground pepper; ⅛ teaspoon salt