Potato Soup

We all have scratchy throats around here this week. (sigh) Went to the doctor today for my poor congested little baby. The girls were excited because they always get suckers and stickers when we go.

So, I made soup for dinner to make swallowing a little easier. This is my go-to recipe when I need something easy peasy and something I'm sure everyone will love. This soup is a winner let me tell you!

Baked Potato Soup

This flavorful baked potato soup is loaded with cheese and baked potatoes. Top this thick soup with the cooked bacon and green onions just before serving.

Ingredients:

· 8 to 10 slices bacon, diced, about 8 ounces

· 4 tablespoons butter

· 1/2 cup diced celery

· 1 cup diced onion

· 1 bunch green onions, about 8 green onions, thinly sliced

· 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

· 3 cups chicken broth

· 2 cups half-and-half

· 4 large baking potatoes, baked, peeled, and diced

· 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

· 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

· 8 ounces sour cream

· 8 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

· Sliced green onion for garnish, optional

In a Dutch oven or large kettle over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove bacon to paper towels to drain and pour the bacon drippings into a cup. Put 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings back into the pan along with the butter, chopped onion, and celery. Cook, stirring, until vegetables are tender. Stir in the sliced green onion and flour until blended. Stir in chicken broth; cover and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thickened and vegetables are very tender. Stir in half-and-half, diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and cheese. Continue cooking until cheese is melted. Add sour cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until sour cream is mixed in well. Serve the soup garnished with bacon and extra sliced green onion, if desired.

And just so you get a truer representation of my life...

This is one of the things going on while I was in the kitchen. (Along with a diaper blow-out by the same child. Hence, the lack of clothing and the burned onions.) Life is never dull here that's for sure!