Comfort Food For a Cold Windy Day

Today has been a really cold, windy day. It's the kind of day that makes me want to putter around my kitchen in my flannel pants and fuzzy slippers, simmering and stirring and creating scrumptious dishes to warm the belly. In case you are feeling similar cravings, here is my recipe for Basic Potato Soup. I got the recipe from a former pastor's wife and over the years I've added and replaced and enhanced it for lots of different tastes. Some of our favorite modifications are also listed below the basic recipe. Enjoy a big bowl of it with your family this week!

Basic Potato Soup
1-2 medium sweet onions, chopped
10-12 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped (1" cubes)
salt and pepper to taste
parsley to taste
3 oz. jar of real bacon pieces
3-4 cups of any milk or cream combination
(if using skim, thicken slightly with cornstarch first)

In a very large pot, boil chopped onions & cubed potatoes in JUST enough water to cover them. When fork tender, DO NOT DRAIN! Add salt, pepper & parsley to taste. Add bacon pieces. Stir and let blend for about 15 minutes. Add milk or cream combination and allow to simmer until all flavors are blended. I've added shredded cheddar cheese at the end to thicken it up and make it richer. Serve hot or cold, garnish with chives, sour cream and/or cheese.

Our favorite modifications:

• Sweet Potato and Corn Chowder: Use equal parts sweet and white potatoes. Instead of bacon, add one can of Fiesta Corn (drained) and 1/2 pound of cooked, sliced smoked turkey sausage.
• "Like Olive Garden's" Potato & Sausage Soup: Instead of bacon, add cooked bulk sausage in large crumbles (turkey or pork). Use equal parts of reduced fat chicken broth and cream/milk combination.
• Veggie Potato Soup: I also add chopped carrots, celery, and sometimes chunks of chicken breast instead of bacon. This week I'm going to add frozen chopped broccoli that has been cooked and drained. Maybe it'll be a brand-new favorite for The Gang!