Potato Soup

My family enjoys a potato soup on a chilly day. This recipe is so easy and quick to make.

(plain potato soup)

(loaded potato soup)

POTATO SOUP (serves 6)

Ingredients:

*5 strips bacon, diced (optional)

*3 green onions greens, chopped (optional)

*1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)

*1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

*1 medium onion, chopped

*2 garlic cloves, minced

*5 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use rice flour for gluten free)

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil

*1 teaspoon dried parsley

*1 teaspoons black pepper

*4 cups chicken stock

*5 large boiled (or baked) potatoes, peeled and mashed

*1 1/2 cups half & half

* dash of cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions:

~In a large saucepan, cook onion and garlic in olive oil, until tender.

~Stir in flour, salt, parsley, basil & black pepper.

~Mix well, and cook for a minute, careful not to let it burn.

~Gradually add broth.

~Bring to a boil.

~Boil and stir for 2 minutes.

~Add potatoes, cream, and cayenne pepper.

~Heat through, but do not let it boil. Be very careful not to let it scorch.

~Garnish with desired toppings.

Variations:

-substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock.

-substitute half & half with whole milk.

-substitute olive oil with bacon drippings.

-add a little dried rosemary to flour mixture.