Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Serves 6

This is a wonderful soup on its own, but the toppings--especially the bacon--are what really make it, so don't skimp!

8 ounces bacon, chopped
3 pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed
1 large onion, chopped fine (I run mine through the food processor)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 sprig fresh thyme
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus additional for garnish
1 cup sour cream, plus additional for garnish
pepper
3 scallions, sliced thin

Cook bacon in Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. While bacon is cooking, use vegetable peeler to remove wide strips of potato peel; reserve peels. Cut peeled potatoes into uniform 3/4-inch pieces. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to plate lined with paper towels. Add reserved potato skins to bacon fat in pot and cook until crisp, about 8 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer potato skins to plate with bacon. Add onion to fat remaining in pot and cook over medium heat until golden, about 6 minutes. Stir in garlic and flour and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in broth and cream, stir in thyme and potatoes, and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover pot, and cook until potatoes are tender, about 7 to 10 minutes. Discard thyme sprig and transfer 2 cups cooked potatoes to bowl; set aside. Puree remaining soup in batches in blender (or food processor) until smooth. Return pureed potatoes to pot and warm over medium-high heat. Off heat, stir in cheese until melted, then whisk in sour cream. Return reserved potatoes to pot and season soup with pepper. Ladle soup into bowls, garnishing with bacon, fried potato skins, scallions, cheese, and sour cream.

For a printable version of the recipe, go here.

Chicken & White Bean Chili

One of my favorite cold-weather meals.

Courtesy of Jenna Riggs.

Serves 6 to 8.

1/4 cup butter

2 large onions, finely diced

1/3 cup flour

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

3 cups half-and-half

3 cans Great Northern beans

1 to 2 cans diced green chilies

4 cups shredded, cooked chicken

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce

1 tablespoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon white pepper

1-1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese (about 6 oz.)

1 cup sour cream

chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

green salsa, for garnish

Melt butter in heavy, large pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until tender, about 15 minutes. Add flour and stir until incorporated; do not brown. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half. Simmer gently until thickened, about 10 minutes. Strain and rinse canned beans and add to pot. Add green chilies, shredded chicken, and next 5 ingredients. Simmer gently to blend flavors, about 20 minutes. (Chili can be made to this point one day ahead. Chill until cold, then cover and keep chilled. Reheat before continuing with recipe.)

Add grated cheese and sour cream to chili; stir just until chili is heated through and cheese melts (do not boil). Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with cilantro and green salsa. Serve.  Pass extra cilantro and green salsa at the table for people to add as desired.

For a printable version of this recipe, go here.