Killer Potato Soup

THE INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb bacon, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced fine
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 6 -8 potatoes, peeled and cubed ( I usually use red or yukon gold)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 32 ounces chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons butter
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

DIRECTIONS

1. Place bacon in a large soup pot or dutch oven and cook until crisp. Drain off all but 1/4 cup of grease.
2. Add celery, onion and garlic to bacon grease and cook until just softened. Be careful not to burn garlic. Add potatoes and toss in grease to coat.
3. Add chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Place butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. When melted, whisk in flour. Brown mixture, stirring constantly, for approximately 2 minutes. Add heavy cream slowly, while whisking constantly. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and continue whisking until mixture thickens.
5. Stir cream mixture into the potato mixture. Gently stir in cheddar cheese and reserved bacon. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with green onion and additional cheese, if desired.