Corn Chowder with Potatoes, Poblanos, and Smoked Gouda | Food Stuff

Ingredients

• 1 bay leaf
• Chopped chives, for garnishing
• 4 cups fresh or frozen corn
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• ¼ cup grated smoked cheddar or Gouda cheese
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 poblano chiles, roasted, peeled, and diced, or 1 (4-ounce) can diced roasted chiles
• 1 pound small potatoes, sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon water