Preheat oven to 375 in preparation for cooking bacon
Boil water for corn in a large stock pot (should be enough to cover all six ears of corn)
Using tongs, place corn in boiling water and cook for 3 minutes
Remove corn with tongs (reserving cooking liquid) and place in a large heatproof bowl
Place a lid on stock pot and turn down heat to low to keep water hot
Let corn cobs cool for at least 5 minutes (or until comfortable to handle) before using a sharp knife to slice kernels from cob
Return cobs to stock pot and turn heat back up to high to bring water back to a boil
After water returns to a boil, turn the heat back down to low and leave corn cobs simmering with the lid off until ready to use later on in the recipe
Place bacon, spread in a single layer, on a cookie sheet and insert into preheated oven
Set the timer for 15 minutes. The bacon will probably take about 20 to 25 minutes to cook (depending on thickness) but you should check it after 15 minutes and possibly turn the cookie sheet to ensure even cooking
In the meantime heat dutch oven or straight sided skillet over medium to medium-low heat and add 2 Tbsps of butter
Add diced onions and saute for 8-10 minutes - or until onions are translucent and turning golden brown in places
Add 2 more Tbsps of butter and chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes to pan
Saute for 10 minutes stirring often - if veggies start to stick, turn heat down a little and add a little more butter
Tip: I always salt and pepper veggies while I am sauteing them rather than just at the end the way most recipes call for - I find that salting while cooking brings out the maximum flavor of each ingredient
Take stock pot off heat and remove and discard cobs
Next as veggies continue to cook over medium heat, sprinkle evenly with flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to coat all veggies
Add 1 cup of corn stock to veggies and stir until smooth
If using skillet rather than dutch oven, transfer veggie mixture to soup pot at this point
Add 2 more cups of stock and stir to incorporate
Add thyme bundle and "Better Than Bullion" or bullion cubes - stir to dissolve
Let cook on medium heat for 10 minutes uncovered stirring occasionally
Add corn kernels, diced pepper, heavy cream, and 1 tsp garlic salt - cook for another 10 minutes uncovered stirring occasionally
Remove from heat and add salt and black pepper to taste
Remove bacon from oven, (if you haven't already) drain on a paper towel, and crumble into small pieces
ladle soup into bowls, top with bacon crumbles and enjoy!