WHAT'S FOR DINNER? LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP

When it's cold outside, I crave soup.
My macho brother loves my loaded mashed potatoes,
I bet he'll love this soup too. 

LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP

serves 4

3 diced bacon strips

1 small chopped onion

1 clove minced garlic

3 T flour

1 t salt

1 t dried basil

1/2 t pepper

3 C chicken or vegetable broth

2 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 C half & half

1/2 t Tabasco sauce

shredded cheddar cheese

minced chives

sour cream

In a large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp. 

Drain, reserving 1 T drippings.

Set bacon aside.

Saute onion and garlic in drippings until tender.

Stir in flour, salt, basil and pepper; mix well.

Gradually add broth.
Add potatoes.

Bring to boil.
If you like your soup thinner, add more water at this time.

Boil and stir until potatoes are tender.

Turn down to low heat.

Add cream and hot sauce. Heat through but do not boil.

Garnish with bacon, cheese, chives and sour cream, if desired.