Cold Weather Recipe: Amazing Loaded Baked Potato Soup

It’s COLD here as I type this recipe…negative digits cold! I made this for dinner tonight and it hit the spot so I was inspired to share. I always promise not to type a long story with recipes, because I hate that. But short stories are ok, right? So you know how kids go through having a favorite meal and request it all the time and for all special occasions? This was my daughter’s for quite a while. That meant she wanted it for her birthday which was fine…except her birthday is in the middle of July. It’s so yummy we didn’t mind too much, but it definitely hits the spot more when it’s cold out than 100 degrees!

Ingredients:

• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 1 clove of garlic (minced)
• 3 TBS all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp died basil
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 large potatoes
• 1 cup half and half
• 1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce
• butter (for sautéing)

Toppings (Use any or all)

• Real bacon pieces
• shredded cheddar cheese
• scallions
• minced parsley

Instructions

In a large saucepan sauté onion and garlic in some butter until tender. Stir in flour, salt, basil and pepper. Mix well. Gradually add broth. Bring to boil. Boil and stir for 2 minutes. Add potatoes (cooked and diced), cream and hot pepper sauce. Heat through but do not boil. Garnish with favorite toppings.

I like to double the recipe which allows for seconds for my family of 4 and leftovers for lunches. I reheats well!