Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

Name: Sweet Potato Corn Chowder
Ingredients: 4 ounces sliced smoked bacon, diced small; 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced; 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 4 bay leaves; 3 ribs celery, diced; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, if needed; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups vegetable stock; Two 15.25-ounce cans whole kernel corn with its liquid; 1 cup heavy cream; Thinly sliced green onions, for garnish