Twice Baked Potato Soup

One more soup recipe, then I'll move on to other yummy creations, I promise. You won't be sad that I posted this recipe though. It takes all the goodness of a baked potato and makes it a whole meal. Gotta love that! This is probably not one of my low fat meals, but it's worth the fat/calories/pts. Whatever it is that you do. Just eat a salad on the side and the veggies will certainly cancel all the bad-for-your-waist stuff. It will, honest.
Or eat it on a Sunday. Sunday calories and fat don't count.
Seriously they don't.


Ingredients:
These are not going to be definite. It really is based on how many people you want to feed...or how many bowls you plan to eat. I just usually taste as I go. I know what I want my baked tater to taste like.

4-5 baking potatoes (or any old tater, just make sure you have enough for everyone eating)
2c bag of shredded cheese ( we like cheddar, but go with your gut)
1 stick butter or margarine
4-5 cups of milk, I can't really tell you how much since it will vary
salt and pepper to taste
bacon pieces
sour cream
croutons
chives



Directions:

Bake your taters. I sometimes start them in the microwave and then move them to the oven. Makes it quicker. When the taters are baked, split and scoop out the meat. These suckers will be hot (feel free to sing the Hot Potato Song, I usually do. when I'm not screaming) Seriously, though, use a towel to hold them. Once all the meat is in a bowl, add butter, 1 c cheese and a little milk (start with 1/2 c). Mix with a mixer. Add salt and pepper. It should be thick enough to put back in the skins without running out, but not so thick that you could cut it and serve it like cake. Scoop it all back into the skins. Return to the oven and bake at 400 for about 20 minutes.

Now, get a big ole soup pot. Scoop all the yummy tater stuff into the pot and add milk until is as thick, or thin, as you like it. Taste to see if salt or pepper needs to be increased .....or just because you want to. I've been known to add more cheese here, but be sure you have enough to top the soup with. Simmer on LOW (it will stick if it gets too hot) until heated through.

Serve topped with cheese, sour cream, bacon, chives, croutons, whatever your little heart desires.
Don't forget the salad, have to cancel out all that cheese and sour cream after all.