Zucchini Corn Chowder

Name: Zucchini Corn Chowder
Ingredients: 1 (32 oz.) carton vegetable or chicken stock; 4 ears sweet corn, husked, corn kernels cut off; 1 large zucchini, diced; 2 ribs celery, chopped; 2 russet potatoes, optional, peeled and diced; 1 carrot, peeled and chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 yellow onion, chopped; 3 strips bacon, chopped; 1 cup half-and-half; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional, plus more for garnish; fresh parsley, garnish; kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste