Homemade Potato Cheese Soup

The Wonder of Herbs

I am continuing my love of herbs with a delicious recipe for my Homemade Potato Cheese Soup!

My husband came home from work the other night and asked me to make something delicious - so I whipped this up using herbs from my breezeway garden.

You can vary this soup by using milk or heavy cream in the broth ~ or make a lighter version of cheeses and sour cream ~ but this is what I had on hand so the recipe is as follows:

Homemade Potato Cheese Soup

6 potatoes (peeled and diced)

6 slices of bacon (diced)

1 onion (chopped)

3 cloves garlic (minced)

6 cups chicken broth

1 8 oz. cream cheese (soft)

2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)

1 c sour cream

1 T garlic powder

2 T fresh parsley

2 T fresh chives

1 T fresh oregano

salt & pepper to taste

garnish ~ fresh chives and parsley snipped

In a large pot saute bacon until tender and cooked - add 2 T olive oil and saute onions until golden. Add fresh garlic and fresh herbs stirring until soft. Mix in diced potatoes with bacon and veggies to infuse the flavor. Season with spices and salt and pepper. Add chicken broth and bring up to bubbling simmer ~ next add the cream cheese and stir until blended well. Let soup simmer on stove top until potatoes are tender. Stir in sour cream. I use a potato masher gingerly to break up some of the potatoes and thicken the broth. Add the cheese and allow to melt in - top with fresh herbs.

This soup would also be wonderful with a dollop of sour cream and crispy bacon!

Glorious Herbs

It is a beautiful day in sunny Florida and I am enjoying the marvelous little treasures I have been growing! I have herb pots thriving and flourishing ~ it is a magnificent thing! I love to cook with fresh herbs and there is nothing better than stepping out the back door and picking a handful of these delightful plants that I have lovingly cultivated! My treasure includes: Italian parsley, curly parsley, cilantro, basil, rosemary, oregano, sage, mint and thyme. My windowsills are even garnished with mini herb gardens! I found the most adorable tiny clay pots at Target for $1 - from a miniscule soil disk and seed packet you have the humble beginnings of herb heaven! Can you tell that I am excited and that I love my plants! Stay tuned for delicious recipes using these glorious herbs!