Rainy Weather..

I dont know about you but when its rainy and dark I just want some soup. Creamy potato soup with lots of cheese and bacon.

 I've made it on the stovetop a few times but this time I want to try a good crockpot recipe with minimal ingredients.

I searched the internet and came across 2 recipes that I will combine and make my own. We'll see how this turns out tomorrow!

Recipe #1
Ingredients

1 bag 32 0z frozen southern style dices hash brown potatos, thawed
1/2 cup chopped raw onion
i medium stalk celery, diced 1/2 cup
2 cans (14 oz each) 99% fat free chicken broth
1 cup water
3 tablespoons Gold Medal all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 bag shredded colby-jack cheese
 ON SALE

1/4 cup Bac-o bacon bits
 ON SALE

1/4 cup green onions
 
 Heart-Healthier
 See how!

Directions

1) In a 3 to 4 quart slow cooker, mix potatoes, onion, celery, broth and water

2) Cover; cook on low heat setting 6 to 8 hours

3) After 5 hours add bacon bits, so flavor soaks into soup

4) In a small bowl, mix flour into milk; stir into potato mixture. Increase heat setting to High. Cover; cook 20 to 30 minues or until mixure thickens. Stir in cheese until melted. Garnish with green onions. Sprinkle with pepper if desired.

Number of Servings: 6

Recipe #2

Ingredients

• 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 red potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons seasoned salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• chives for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat a large slow cooker by turning it to the High setting and covering with the lid.
2. Place the cut-up potatoes in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave on High for about 8 minutes, until the potatoes are cooked and steaming hot.
3. While the potatoes are cooking, place the butter in the preheated slow cooker, and cook and stir the onions and garlic for about 5 minutes, until the onions turn golden. Stir in 1/2 cup of milk, and whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the remaining 3 cups of milk, and let the mixture come to a simmer in the slow cooker. Simmer for about 10 minutes, until the soup begins to thicken.
4. Stir in the hot cooked potatoes, crumbled bacon, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, seasoned salt, parsley, red pepper flakes, celery salt, and dried basil. Stir to mix the soup well, reduce the slow cooker setting to Low, cover, and cook for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with chives and serve.

Whats your favorite rainy day recipe?