Menu Planning Monday and a recipe......

I love soup.  Like really love it.  It's like the ultimate comfort food for me.  I also love that it's so easy to make.  Most soups I make involve a crock pot which for me is always a plus.  I mean, I love to cook but sometimes when the end of the day gets here, I'm tired and not in the mood to stand in the kitchen whipping up a masterpiece to put on the table.

This winter has been so cold here this year in the South and this soup recipe has been one of my go to recipes.

Ummmm....doesn't it look yummy?  I mean the soup, not the wine teasing this preggo lady that's hanging around in the background.

Ingredients:

• 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes (about 3 1/2 lbs)
• 1 large onion, chopped  
• 1 or 2 cloves of garlic minced
• 3 (14-ounce) cans of chicken broth
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons pepper
• 1 cup whipping cream or half & half
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream (optional)
• 4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (I often use bacon pieces you can buy in the salad section)
• shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Combine the potatoes, onion, garlic, broth, butter, salt and pepper in a 5-quart or large crock pot.
2. Cover and cook on high 4 hours or low 8 hours or until potatoes are tender.
3. Mash the mixture until the potatoes are coarsely chopped and soup in slightly thickened.
4. Stir in cream, cheese and chives. 
5. Top with sour cream, if desired and sprinkle with bacon and cheddar cheese before serving. 

Now for what's on the menu this week.....

• 2/14 Monday - Going out for a Valentine's Day meal with the hubby
• 2/15 Tuesday - Taco Night at the Farm with Spanish rice and beans
• 2/16 Wednesday - Chicken Leg Quarters in the crock pot, potatoes and broccoli
• 2/17 Thursday - Spaghetti, Garlic Bread and Salad
• 2/18 Friday - Chicken Pot Pie
• 2/19 Saturday - Leftovers
• 2/20 Sunday - Farmer Roy's Choice

Hope everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day!!  As always linking up over at the Organizing Junkie.