Friday, February 20

it's soup weather!

It's definitely soup weather in most of the country.   And what could be yummier than a delicious baked potato soup?   This one is so fast and easy, and I know your family will love it.

1.   Take 6 slices of bacon, cut into one inch pieces, and cook in a large (heavy) stock pot until cooked. Remove from pot, and place on plate - set aside. Then pour off almost all of the fat. 
2.  Add in one small diced onion and 3 stalks diced celery. Season with salt and pepper. Cook about 2 or 3 minutes.  You don't want to brown them, just cook them a little. 
3.   Add six potatoes, peeled and diced into small chunks. Cook about 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally. 
4.   Then add in 8 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil. Cook 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. 
5.   Whisk 3 tbs of flour into one cup of milk. When thoroughly combined, pour into potatoes and stir in. Let cook for another 5 minutes or so. 
6.   Use a ladle or large strainer to drain off the chunks of veggies and put into a blender. You don't need to take them all if you like a chunkier soup, but I like my baked potato soup creamy. (Remember that veggies will expand as you puree so never fill it more than 2/3 of the way full.)  
 You may need to go back and add the remaining veggies. I did. 
7.   Pour it back into the pot, check for seasonings and adjust if needed.  (Like things a little spicy?  add in some Tabasco or red pepper flakes or your favorite hot stuff.) 
8.  Add in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 1 tbs chopped parsley and stir.  
9.  When you plate the soup, add in shredded cheddar and top with the bacon you cooked at the beginning. 

That's it - takes about 30 minutes all together.

Want something heartier?   Here is the link to my almost famous, completely delicious, steak soup.   Steak soup - click here. 

Best,
Stephanie 

2 comments:

  1. My mom used to make something like this for us, but she added canned tuna to make it a chowder! I remember it so fondly:). And, come to think of it, since it was a dinner for the kitchen, she used canned vichyssoise:). Yours must be even better.

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  2. Hi Steph! I didn't know you were back!! Yay! I'm sorry I would have come by sooner! This looks yummy, nothing like a good soup when you're freezing!! xo Susan

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