Red Potato Soup

Best potato soup recipe I've made.It is our family tradition to eat this after Trick-or-Treating.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 18
• Yields: 4 1/2 quarts

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 lbs  red potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1  large onion, diced
• 3  celery ribs, diced
• 3  slices bacon, strips diced (I usually use the thick cut bacon)
• 2  quarts milk
• 4  cups water
• 3  tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 3⁄4 cup butter or 3⁄4 cup margarine
• 3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1  cup  whipping cream
• 1⁄2 cup fresh parsley, minced
•  cheddar cheese, shredded
•  green onion, chopped

Directions

1. Place potatoes in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a soup kettle or Dutch oven, saute the onion, celery and bacon until vegetables are tender; drain well. Add the milk, water, bouillon, salt and pepper. Heat through (DO NOT BOIL).
3. In a saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour until smooth. Cook and stir over medium heat for 1 minute.Gradually add cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 or 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir into soup.
4. Add parsley and potatoes; heat through.
5. Garnish with cheese and green onions.