Baked Potato Soup

Description
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

Ingredients

 * 4 – 5 baking potatoes
 * 2 cups water
 * 1 quart milk
 * ½ cup celery
 * ¼ cup butter
 * ½ cup sour cream
 * ⅓ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
 * ⅓ cup green onion, chopped
 * 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
 * 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
 * salt and pepper to taste

Directions

 * 1) Place potatoes in the oven and cook for about 1 hour at 350°F degrees.
 * 2) Meanwhile heat water in a large saucepan and add chopped celery to the water and simmer until celery is tender.
 * 3) When potatoes are fully cooked, slice down the center and scoop the pulp out of each potato and add to celery and water.
 * 4) Add milk. butter, sour cream, bacon, green onions, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, parsley or dill and salt and pepper.
 * 5) Allow mixture to simmer over low-medium heat until it thickens.
 * 6) Serve hot with cheddar cheese sprinkled on top. You may also top with chives (from the top of the green onions), bacon pieces and sour cream.

The Skinny

 * 1) Use low-fat milk, sour cream and cheese.