Potato and Beer Soup

Ingredients

• 1) Bay leaves – 2 nos.
• 2) Chicken stock – 4 cups.
• 3) Smoke bacon, sliced – 8 ounces.
• 4) Dijon mustard – 1 tablespoon.
• 5) Russet potatoes – 3 nos. (Large; they must be peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
• 6) Carrots – 2 nos. (They must be cut into 1/2-inch dices)
• 7) Celery stalks – 3 nos. (They should be cut into 1/2-inch dices).
• 8) Kosher salt – to taste.
• 9) Ground pepper (freshly ground) – to taste.
• 10) Fresh thyme – 1 small bundle. (They must be tied together with kitchen twine).
• 11) Light German beer – 1 cup. (You can use Pilsner).
• 12) Green top trimmed leek – 1 no. (They need to be cut into 1/2-inch dices).
• 13) Fresh chives – 1/4 cup. (They need to be sliced).