Laura Bushs Baked Potato Soup Food

LAURA BUSH'S BAKED POTATO SOUP

Steps:

• In a large soup pot, saute onions and red pepper over medium heat in 2 tablespoons butter until onions are clear.
• Add bacon, potatoes and whipping cream to desired consistency.
• Skim milk or chicken stock may be used to reduce calories.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Warm.
• Serve with a garnish of a dollop of sour cream, grated cheese and chives.

ALMOST-FAMOUS BAKED POTATO SOUP

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion, scallion whites and a big pinch of salt to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft but not browned, about 8 minutes. Add the flour, celery seeds and white pepper; stir until combined.
• Add the potatoes, 3 1/2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart, about 10 minutes.
• Remove the pot from the heat and transfer 1/2 cup of the potatoes to a blender. Add the half-and-half, cream cheese and parmesan and blend until very smooth. Gently stir the mixture into the pot along with the scallion greens, hot sauce and half of the bacon. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat; season with salt.
• Divide the soup among bowls. Top with cheddar cheese, the remaining bacon and chives.

BAKED POTATO SOUP

Steps:

• Fry bacon in a large pot until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside leaving the drippings in the pot.
• Reduce heat to medium low and add diced onion to drippings. Cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add garlic and flour, cook 1 minute while stirring. Whisk in chicken broth, bring to a boil over medium high heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Stir in mashed potatoes. Simmer an additional 5 minutes. Add the buttermilk and stir to combine allowing mixture to just come to a boil.
• Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup cheese, half of the bacon, and ⅓ cup sour cream.
• Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, reamining bacon, green onion and serve hot.