Shrimp Chowder with Herb Drop Biscuits

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish. Cook bacon in a large saucepan over medium heat until crisp, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a towel-lined plate; reserve drippings. Add scallions, fennel, and garlic to drippings and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle flour over scallion mixture and cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually, whisk in stock and cream, scraping up brown bits from the bottom of the saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 4 to 6 minutes. Stir in bacon, corn, dill, and 3/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in shrimp. Make Herb Drop Biscuits: Combine flour, baking powder, parsley, dill, and scallion in a bowl. Cut in unsalted butter with two forks or a pastry blender until crumbly. Add buttermilk and stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Transfer mixture to prepared dish. Drop biscuits (about 8 or 9) over mixture. Bake until biscuits are golden brown, 24 to 26 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.