Corn and Potato Chowder for Masako

Name: Corn and Potato Chowder for Masako
Ingredients: 1⁄2 tablespoon butter; 4 slices bacon, diced; 1⁄2 cup onion, chopped; 1⁄2 medium green pepper, chopped; salt and pepper, to taste; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon flour; 2 cups chicken stock; 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced 1/2 inch x 1/2 inch (baking or Idaho); 3⁄4 cup carrot, shredded; 1 cup frozen corn kernels or 1 cup fresh corn kernels; 2⁄3 cup half-and-half; 1⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme; 1⁄2 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (or to your taste); 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, chopped (optional)