Bacon and Potato Soup

Bacon and Potato Soup

Ingredients:

6 thick slices bacon 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped carrots 1 stalk celery, chopped 2 cloves garlic

4 cups low fat, low sodium chicken broth OR combine some broth + milk or half-half or cream to = 4 cups Additional bouillon cubes for flavor 4 cups cubed potatoes 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese Dash of pepper.

Directions:

1.	Cook bacon until crisp.
2.	Meanwhile, prepare vegetables. Add olive oil to saucepan and add onion, carrot, and celery as they are cut up. Saute until onion is soft but not brown, about 3-4 minutes.
3.	Stir in chicken broth, potatoes (for creamy soup~puree half of potatoes), and pepper; bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
4.	Stir in cheese, heating just until melted--do not boil. Chop bacon and add to soup. Adjust seasoning to taste by adding salt, if desired. Serve at once.