Winter Recipe: Baked Potato Soup

 With winter now in full swing,

nothing is better than a warm bowl of baked potato soup.

This soup was super easy to prepare

and you can even use leftover mashed potatoes!

What you need:

12 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)

2/3 c. margarine or butter

2/3 c. flour

6 c. milk

2 c. chicken broth (more if you prefer thinner soup)

5-6 medium potatoes (cooked, peeled, mashed in chunks)

4 green onions (chopped)

1 1/4 c shredded cheddar cheese (plus a little more for topping)

1 c. sour cream

1 tsp. cayenne pepper (or to taste)

1 tsp. garlic powder.

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt

Step 1: In a stock pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour slowly until smooth.

Step 2:  Gradually stir in milk,stirring constantly until thickened.

Step 3: Add in potatoes, onions, salt pepper and cayenne. Bring to a boil and stir frequently.

Step 4: Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes (stirring here and there)

Step 5: Stir in majority (save some for toppings) of bacon, cheese and sour cream. Cook until heated through.

Step 6: Top with more cheese, onions and bacon crumbles.

Serve with sliced french bread. Enjoy!