Countdown to Christmas Day 3 - Easy Potato Soup

On to the needs addition of the Countdown to Christmas ... Super Easy Potato Soup!!  I fell in love with this the first night a made it.  Not only is this an easy recipe to do but it is also so tasty!  And, like most other soups, it just gets better as leftovers!!!

Ingredients

1/2 stick of butter

1 small onion, diced

2 tablespoons all-purpose flower

8 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

4 cups milk (whatever you have in your fridge)

2 chicken bouillon cubes, dissolved in 1/2 cup hot milk

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups salted water

Extras:

Bacon Bits

Corn

Chicken

Sliced carrots

In a saucepan big enough to contain all of your soup, melt the butter and saute the onions until tender.  This usually takes about 5 or so minutes.  

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.  Add in milk and potatoes.  Let the milk, bouillon mix and potatoes simmer until the potatoes start to dissolve, about 15 minutes.  I have also learned that when you are cubing your potatoes, cut them in varying sizes.  This allows some to dissolve and make the consistency of your soup and keeps some in chunks.  

Once the potato and milk mixture has reached the consistency of your liking and you have the flavor of your liking (you may want to add more bouillon to taste) you can add any of the extras you like.  I always add corn, carrots and chicken.  The chicken can be as simple as grabbing a pre-made one from the store or doing your own baked chicken.  I always add these things at the end because otherwise they can get mushy and no one wants that. Another thing I've learned about this receipe is to cook your bacon until you feel like it might just be almost over cooked.  Otherwise they can kinda loose their crunch!

Finished product!!!
This is a great starter base and has endless amounts of possibility.. I've done lots of different things just with the base.  Like I said, I usually add chicken, corn, and carrots.  But, also have added shrimp instead of chicken and added cheddar cheese to make more of a cheese potato soup... All of which have been delicious!!