O' Charley's Potato Soup

Cheap and easy to make. Potato Soup is always a hit here no matter what recipe I choose.
Pictures will be later this week.

O'Charley's Potato Soup
Serves 8

1 Package of Bacon

5 Med Potatoes

4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick) Butter

1/2 Cup all-purpose Flour

4 Cups Half and Half

1 Cup Milk

1 Cup Chicken Stock

1 Pound Velveeta Cheese, Melted. (YUCK! use Cheddar) 

White Pepper

Garlic Powder

1 teaspoon Hot Sauce

1/2 Cup chopped Fresh Parsley

Garnish:

Cheddar Cheese

Chives

Parsley

1. Dice Bacon and cook in a skillet until all the fat is rendered. Drain, and set aside.
2. Cut Potatoes into 1/2-inch dice and put them in a pot with water to cover. Boil for 10 minutes, drain and set aside.
3. Melt butter in heavy stock pot and add Flour, whisking constantly until the paste is smooth, Gradually add the Half and Half, Milk, and Chicken Stock, whisking constantly. When the sauce begins to thicken, add Cheese, whisking frequently.
4. Add Potatoes to the Cheese Mixture. Season to taste with White Pepper, Garlic Powder, and Hot Sauce. Lower heat and simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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