Jake's Ultimate Potato Soup

I got a craving for potato soup one day, so i developed the soup the way I like it. Easy to make, very hearth, and a crowd pleaser.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 10-12

Ingredients

• 5  cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄2  diced onion
• 2  tablespoons basil, fresh
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 12 -15  large potatoes, half peeled,diced
• 5  cups milk
• 4  tablespoons butter
• 10  strips bacon, chopped
•  salt and pepper
•  bacon bits (optional)
•  green onion (optional)
•  cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Sauté the onions in the 2 tablespoons butter and basil over medium-high heat until softened.
2. Add potatoes to a large pot with just enough water to cook.
3. Season the potatoes with salt.
4. Bring to a boil; cover and reduce heat to low.
5. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
6. Add the milk, remaining butter, salt and pepper to taste.
7. Continue to cook over medium heat until hot; do not boil.
8. With a potato masher, mash some of the potatoes right in the pot to slightly thicken the soup.
9. Add the chopped bacon, cheddar cheese and/or green onions before soup is ready to be served.