#3694 - Bacon Potato Soup

(by Shirley McNevich)

6 slices bacon (fried, drained and crumbled)
6 cups cubed red potatoes
4 cups chicken broth
2 carrots (shredded)
1 yellow onion (chopped)
1 TBSP chopped parsley (fresh or dry)
1/2 tsp. celery seed
salt
pepper
2 cups milk
1/4 cup flour
4 slices American cheese (broken into small pieces)
6 green onions (chopped)

In a Dutch oven over medium heat add crumbled bacon, cubed red potatoes, chicken broth, shredded carrots, chopped parsley, chopped onions and celery seed--cook/stir until boiling. Tilt the lid on the Dutch oven and reduce heat to simmer--simmer the mixture until potatoes are tender (20-30 minutes). Taste--add salt and pepper to your taste, then stir well. In a bowl add milk and flour--whisk until mixed. Pour the milk mixture into the soup slowly (while stirring). Turn heat up to medium--cook/stir until soup is hot and thickened. Remove from heat--add American cheese pieces--stir until cheese is melted. Place soup in bowls and top with chopped green onions. Note: for more bacon flavor, fry your bacon in the Dutch oven first, then leave the drippings in the Dutch oven before adding soup ingredients.