Mushroom, Sweet Potato, and Smoked Gouda Chowder - Brennans Market

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 lb. cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs.), peeled and cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• pinch dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup half and half
• 4 oz. Brennan's Smoked Gouda
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste