Baked Potato Soup

5 large baking potatoes, baked

1/4 cup butter or margarine (i don't keep margarine in the house)

1 med onion, chopped

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 quart half and half

3 cups milk

1 tsp salt

1/8 tsp white pepper

2 cups (8oz) shredded cheddar cheese

8 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

To bake potatoes in the microwave, prick each several times with a fork.  Microwave 1-in apart on paper towels at high 14min or until done, turning and rearranging after 5  min.  Let cool. (The bigger the potato the longer it takes to cook)

Peel potatoes, and coarsley mash with a fork.

Melt butter in a dutch oven over med heat; add onion, and saute until tender.  Add flour, stirring until smooth.  Stir in potatoes, half and half, and next 3 ingredients; cook over low heat until thoroughly heated.  Top each serving with cheese and bacon.

Makes 12 cups

Southern Living Magazine, January 2003