Ingredients

• 3 slices bacon, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup red pepper, coarsely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh marjoram, chopped or 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2 inch chunks (1 lb.)
• 1 cup fresh corn or 1 cup frozen corn
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups water, divided use
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup half-and-half or 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups cooked chicken, cut in chunks
• 1 cup leek, coarsely chopped