Slow Cooker New England Clam and Corn Chowder

Name: Slow Cooker New England Clam and Corn Chowder
Ingredients: 2 lb potatoes (roughly 5 cups, peeled and chopped into bite size pieces); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 C onion (chopped); 1 C celery (chopped); 7 oz canned corn (drained); 1 1/2 tsp salt; 1 1/2 tsp white pepper or ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 bay leaves; 1 1/2 tsp thyme; 24 oz canned clams with juice (4: 6oz cans with juice); 8 oz clam juice; 6 slices bacon (¼ cup reserved if desired for topping); 1-2 Tbsp bacon grease (optional); 2 Tbsp cornstarch; 2 C heavy cream