Corn Chowder with Smoked Ham Recipe

Name: Corn Chowder with Smoked Ham Recipe
Ingredients: 1 to 2 Tbsp. chile infused oil or olive oil; 1 medium onion, (chopped (~2 cups)); ½ large sweet bell pepper, (chopped (~1 cup)); 4 large garlic cloves, (minced); 2 cups diced smoked ham, ((~12 ounces)); 3 cups stock - (chicken or turkey); 2 - 3 cups water; 1 large Yukon Gold potato, (chopped into ¼” cubes (~2 cups)); 2 cups corn - (frozen, fresh, canned); ½ tsp. chipotle powder; ½ tsp. sweet paprika; ½ tsp. mustard powder; 1 tsp. dried thyme, (crushed); 2 bay leaves; ½ tsp. ground white pepper; salt to taste; 1/2 bunch Swiss chard leaves, (chopped (optional*)); ½ cup cream; ~1 to 2 tsp. cornstarch ((optional))