CROCK POT LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP

Yes, this is indeed the recipe everyone is raving about - ENJOY! 

                                                  

Ingredients:

6 large baking potatoes, peeled, cut in 1/2-inch cubes
1 large onion, chopped
1 quart chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, minced (or pressed) (see Note)
1/4 cup butter
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 cup cream or half-and-half cream
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 cup sour cream (optional)
8 slices bacon, fried & crumbled
cheese, for sprinkling

Note: I rarely use real garlic.  However, I happened upon a squeeze bottle in the grocery store, so there's that, but did you know you can substitute 1/8 tsp. of garlic powder for 1 clove of garlic?  Done it for years!

PREPARATION:

Combine first seven ingredients in a large crockpot; cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours (potato should be tender).

Mash mixture until potatoes are coarsely chopped and soupy is slightly thickened. Stir in cream, cheese and chives.

Top with sour cream (if used), sprinkle with bacon and more cheese.