Leek and Potato Soup with Shrimp and Corn

Name: Leek and Potato Soup with Shrimp and Corn
Ingredients: 4 thick slices bacon, diced; 1 tablespoon bacon drippings; 3 leeks, thinly sliced (white and pale green parts only); 2 stalks celery, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 red potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups water; 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme; 0.5 teaspoon ground paprika; 1 pinch cayenne pepper; salt and ground black pepper to taste; 3 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 cup frozen sweet corn; 0.5 cup milk; 18 large tiger shrimp; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley