Ultimate Potato Soup

What is more versatile than potatoes?  They are inexpensive and filling.  Here is a recipe that turns the plain old potato into something extraordinary.  It is an easy recipe with tons of flavor that would satisfy even your most choosy foodie. 

 

1 pound bacon, chopped

3 stalks celery, diced

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

10 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

4 cups chicken stock or enough to cover potatoes

3 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cup milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (and extra for garnish)

½ cup heavy cream

½ cup Buttermilk or sour cream

2 wedges Laughing Cow Garlic and Herb cheese

1 teaspoon dried chives

1tsp Tarragon

1 tsp. dried parsley flakes

1 tablespoon chopped fresh green onions (garnish)

1 tsp. Slap Yo Momma seasoning

1 tsp. sea salt

1 tsp. pepper

1 tsp seasoning salt

1 tsp onion powder

2 bay leaves

In a Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until done. Remove bacon from pan, and set aside. Drain off all but 1/4 cup of the bacon grease.

In the bacon grease remaining in the pan, saute the celery, onions, salt and other seasonings until onion begins to turn clear. Add the garlic and bay leaves, and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cubed potatoes, and toss to coat.  Season with salt, pepper and Slap Yo Momma seasoning. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes. Add enough chicken stock to just cover the potatoes. Cover, and simmer until potatoes are tender.

In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour. Cook stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk, chives, tarragon and parsley.  Bring the cream mixture to a boil, and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Stir the cream mixture into the potato mixture. Puree about 1/3 the soup, and return to the pan.  Add the rest of the seasonings, Laughing cow cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, buttermilk or sour cream and heavy cream.   Adjust seasonings to taste.  Let simmer at med-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick on the bottom.   Garnish with bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions and sour cream.