Sauté the chopped bacon, onion and garlic in a heavy bottom soup pan. When the bacon is cooked and onion is translucent, stir in 3 tablespoons of white flour and cook for one minute . Pour in the milk and stir often using medium heat until bubbly, but not boiling.

Meanwhile, chop up 2 cups of skinned potatoes and add them to the soup, along with the dried thyme, salt and pepper. Cook for another 5-10 minutes on medium heat until the potatoes are soft.  Without draining, stir in the two cans of baked beans.

Heat through and serve hot.