baked potato soup

I totally had a hankering for some baked potatoes tonight.

I have recently learned that Kirk does not enjoy the baked potato like I do

SO...

Found this quite delightful (not to mention healthy) recipe and just HAD to try it.

It literally cost a whopping $10 for up to 6 servings. (I think it made more.)

Healthy AND cheap? Dang.

(photo via myrecipes.com)

You will need:

• 3-4 large baking potatoes
• 6 cups 2% milk
• 1 cup light sour cream
• 1 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup finely chopped green onion
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/2 cup crispy bacon (about 8 strips)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• salt to taste

Ok. There are two ways these potatoes can be cooked.

You could A. Peel and chop up your taters and boil them in some salted water with a clove of garlic, and a sprig of onion chopped and some onion powder. They are done with fork-tender.

OR B. Bake the potatoes in the oven at 400 degrees for 50 minutes. I prefer option A mostly because it's faster and slightly more flavorful.

Once potatoes are finished coarsely mash and set aside. Make sure you remove all skins.

Next, add flour to a large pot (preferably non-stick) and slowly whisk in milk on medium heat. Continue whisking so the flour does not burn on the bottom. When mixture is bubbly and thick, go ahead and add mashed potatoes and cheese. When cheese is fully melted, remove from heat and add *sour cream and green onions. Add pepper and salt to taste.

Ladle 1 1/2 cup soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese and bacon! (The bacon makes this dish... seriously.)

*I mixed together the sour cream and green onions in a blender so not to have huge chunks of onions. Worked like a charm.

ENJOY! This is such an easy meal and so delicious! Honest!