Baked Potato Soup

Original recipe found here .

I don't ever remember having potato soup, but love potatoes.  Especially baked potatoes.  I received this recipe through an e mail and it looked delicious!   Give it a try.  It has excellent flavor and would be great for a cold day!

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup flour
4 1/2 cup low-fat or skim milk
1 14oz can chicken broth
4 medium baking potatoes, baked
2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups light sour cream, divided
1/2 cup chopped green onions, divided

8 slices bacon, crumpled

Melt butter in a stock pot over medium heat.  Add garlic and saute for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.  Add flour to pan.  Slowly add milk a little at a time while whisking constantly to eliminate lumps.  Whisk until smooth and then add chicken broth.  Bring soup just to a simmer and heat until thickened, stirring often, about 5 minutes.

Once soup is thickened, turn heat down to medium-low.  Cut potatoes in half length-wise and use a spoon to scoop out potato flesh into the pot.  Use a wooden spoon to smash potatoes, breaking up large clumps.  Add 1 1/2 C grated cheese and salt and pepper and stir until cheese is melted.  Remove pan from heat and stir in 3/4 C sour cream, 1/4 C green onions, and 4 strips of the crumbled bacon.  Add additional salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with each serving with the remaining sour cream, onions, cheese, and bacon.