Red Potato and Leek Soup with Bacon

Name: Red Potato and Leek Soup with Bacon
Ingredients: 8 strips thick-cut bacon (about 12 ounces), diced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced; 3 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 bay leaf; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 3 cups chicken stock; 2 cups half-and-half; 1½ pounds medium red potatoes (about 6), scrubbed and cut into ½-inch cubes; ½ cups frozen peas, thawed (optional)