Potato Bacon Chowder

2 cups potatoes, cut into small cubes
4 oz Canadian-style bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1 large carrot, diced
1 cup leeks, chopped, white part only
3 medium garlic cloves, minced
4 cups fat-free chicken broth
1/2 cup uncooked barley
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp dried thyme, crushed
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup fat free half and half
Instructions
In a slow cooker, combine potatoes, carrots, leek, garlic, broth, barley, bay leaf, thyme, pepper and bacon; cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Stir in half-and-half; heat through, uncovered, about 10 minutes.
Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 4-6 hour(s)