Marie's Perfect Potato Soup

It's been one of those weekends in my hometown of Louisville.. the rain has been relentlessly coming down since Friday night.  Saturday we trudged out to the St James Art Fair and soddenly walked around in the rain for four hours while we looked at art, jewelry, and other various crafts that artists from all over the country bring here annually, always looking forward to the lucrative event.  Despite the rain, we were not alone in St James Court.  Lots of people were braving the weather.  Unfortunately, the vendors had to pack up early, because the streets were quickly becoming flooded.  Stricken artists had to pack up their wares before they started floating off down the street.

Saturday night brought lots of flash flooding and flooded basements for those poor souls without working sump pumps.  84 people had to be evacuated from their home- some of them rescued by boat.  Sunday found many people in Louisville grateful they had groceries and football on tv, since flooding in their streets prevented them from leaving their homes.

Luckily, we have a new sump pump and new drainage systems in our neighborhood, so our basement is dry and our streets are clear.  It's still been steadily raining all day, but I have football to watch and was able to get out to the grocery store.  The cool, rainy fall weather always inspires me to cook.  It seemed a perfect day for chili..  but I was in the mood for one of my favorite comfort foods- potato soup!  I'd always loved my grandmother's when I was growing up, but had never gotten a recipe from her.  So I've spent a few years perfecting my own, and I'm glad I made the effort.  Now I can eat myself into a food coma, and lazily watch the Broncos secure another victory on their road to, I believe, the Super Bowl this year.

In the meantime, I'll share with you my perfected potato soup recipe.  :)

Marie's Perfect Potato Soup

You Need:
5 lbs Russet potatoes
2 celery stalks
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 large white onion
32 oz chicken stock
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packet
1 stick butter or margarine
2 oz Kroger brand REAL bacon pieces/bits. (I use about 2/3 of the 3 oz package)
32 oz (4 cups) 2% milk (you can use whole milk for creamier soup. be aware this will raise fat content considerably)
Sharp shredded cheese, for garnish

Peel and dice potatoes.  Slice celery stalks.  Place in large stock pan and cover with hot water.  Bring to boil, reduce heat to prevent boilover.  Add salt to water.  Boil potatoes and celery for 15 minutes.

While potatoes are boiling, dice onion and saute until translucent in olive oil.  Turn off heat.

After potatoes and celery boil for 15 minutes, drain water off in colander.  Return to pan, add onions and pour in chicken stock.  Bring to boil.  Add in bacon bits, ranch seasoning packet, and butter.  Pour in milk.

Let simmer for about 20 minutes.  Garnish with shredded cheddar.

Cuddle up with a warm blanket on a cool day and enjoy.  :)