Baked Potato Soup

This is a receipe I grew up on.  Quick and easy, very adaptable to your tastes.

Baked Potato Soup

3 strips bacon, diced (I use real bacon pieces with the salad stuff)
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp pepper
2 lg potatoes, baked, peeled, cubed (about 2 cups)
1 cup 1/2 and 1/2 cream
3 Tb flour
1 tsp salt and dried basil
3 cups chicken broth (I use a little more than this depending on the amount of cheese and thickness of the soup)
shredded cheddar (and/or Velveeta)

In large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp.  Drain, reserving 1 Tb drippings.  Set aside bacon.  Saute onion and garlic in dripping until tender.  (Since I use bacon pieces that are already cooked I saute my onion and garlic in some oil and butter.)  Stir in flour, basil, salt, and pepper.  Mix well.  Gradually add broth.  Bring to boil and stir 2 minutes.  Add potatoes and cream; heat through but do not boil.  Garnish with bacon, cheese, and parsley.  (I mix the cheese into mine, about a cup of shredded cheddar and 1/4 lb of velveeta)

You could easily add veggies to this.  Corn or broccoli would be good, maybe some red pepper.

This post is linked to:
Show Me What You've Got Thursday at It's a Keeper
Full Plate Thursday at Miz Helen's Country Cottage
Tasty Traditions at Coupon Cookin'
Recipe Swap Thursday at Prairie Story
Tip Day Thursday at Around My Family Table (where I was featured this week!)
Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum
Your Recipe My Kitchen at Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker
Seasonal Sunday at Real Sustenance
Meatless Mondays at My Sweet and Savory (where my French Toast Casserole was featured this week!)
Mouthwatering Mondays at A Southern Fairytale
Homemaker Monday at 11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven