Delicious Homemade Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 6 medium-sized Russet potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 diced onion
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 stalks of celery, diced
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 8 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup of milk
• ½ cup of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of minced parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons of flour (corn starch can be used as a substitute)
• 1 cup of finely grated cheese (choose your favorite variety)

Instructions:

1. Begin by cooking the bacon in a large soup pot until the fat becomes crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside. Pour off most of the bacon fat, leaving a bit in the pan for added flavor. Return the pan to medium heat and add in the diced onion, celery, and carrot.
2. Stir and cook the vegetables for about two minutes, then add in the diced potatoes, along with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
3. Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes begin to soften.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until well combined. Then, slowly pour this mixture into the pot, stirring continuously.
5. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
6. Carefully scoop out about a quarter to half of the soup and transfer it to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then return this mixture back to the pot, stirring it in slowly to avoid splashing.
7. Finally, stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish. Serve the soup in bowls, topping each with a sprinkle of parsley, remaining bacon, and a touch of grated cheese.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of homemade potato soup!