Comfort Food: Baked Potato Soup

Baked Potato soup is great way to use leftover baked potatoes, or if you're like me and need some comfort food in a hurry, just stick a couple of potatoes in the microwave and "bake" them in a matter of minutes. 

Ingredients

1. 3 bacon strips, diced
2. 1 small onion, chopped
3. 1 clove garlic, minced
4. 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5. 1 teaspoon salt
6. 1 teaspoon dried basil
7. 1/2 teaspoon pepper
8. 3 cups chicken broth
9. 2 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed
10. 1/2 cup half-and-half cream
11. 1/2 cup milk
12. 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
13. Shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp. Saute onion and garlic in the drippings until tender. Stir in flour, salt, basil and pepper; mix well. Gradually add broth. Bring to boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes. Add the potatoes, cream and hot pepper sauce; heat through but do not boil. Garnish cheese. * For the vegetarian in my family, I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bacon.