Tracy's Cream cheese & potato soup

4 cups chicken broth (or water)

4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cut into chunks

3 medium carrots, peeled & chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced

1 cup fresh peas

Salt, to taste

Oregano

Basil

--------------------------------------------------------

Combine broth, potatoes, vegetables, and spices.

Boil on medium heat until potatoes are tender.

Smash a few of the potatoes to release their starch for thickening.

Reduce to low heat.

Add cream cheese.

Heat, stirring frequently, until cheese melts

Baked potato soup

Ingredients

• 3 bacon strips, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup half-and-half cream
• 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• Shredded Cheddar cheese
• Minced fresh parsley

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp. Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Set bacon aside. Saute onion and garlic in the drippings until tender. Stir in flour, salt, basil and pepper; mix well. Gradually add broth. Bring to boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes. Add the potatoes, cream and hot pepper sauce; heat through but do not boil. Garnish with bacon, cheese and parsley.