Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Potato Soup

So, this one isn't necessarily a super healthy soup, but it is a whole food recipe - much better than the sodium-laden processed soups you get at the grocery store or at restaurants. This recipe sure is heart-warming and absolutely delicious - great for a crisp fall day! In trying to make it healthier, this recipe does take a traditionally heavy soup by substituting regular bacon with turkey bacon, only using 1/3 cup of low fat cheddar cheese, and using skim milk (instead of whole milk or cream), Despite these changes, it still yields a thick, wonderfully creamy soup. I have found that potato soups are hit or miss with me, but I LOVE potatoes (definitely one of my downfalls) and this one is an absolute hit!

As always, I certainly invite you to try this recipe in your own blenders or other machines -- just follow the directions as your instructional manual suggests.

Bacon Cheddar Potato Soup
(Official Vita-Mix Recipe - revised)
2 cups skim milk
3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, baked
1/3 cup shredded, low-fat cheddar cheese
1/4 small onion, sliced, sautéed, or 1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
1/2 tsp. salt
3 ounces turkey bacon, cooked, crumbled (about 3 strips)
Chives for garnish

1. Place milk, two potatoes, cheese, onion, rosemary and salt into the Vita-mix container in the order listed and secure lid.
2. Select Variable 1.
3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.
4. Blend for 4 minutes or until heavy steam escapes from the vented lid.
5. Reduce speed to Variable 3.
6. Remove the lid plug. Drop in remaining potato and 2 strips of bacon. Blend for an additional 10 seconds, until chopped.
7. Serve soup alone or in a bread bowl. Garnish with chives and remaining bacon.