Laura Bush
Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 6 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/2 pound bacon, diced, cooked and drained well*
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup chives, minced
• About 4 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 to 3 cups whipping cream, Half-and-Half or milk
• Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large soup pot, sauté onions and red pepper over medium heat in 2 tablespoons butter until onions are clear.
2. Add bacon, potatoes and whipping cream to desired consistency. Skim milk or chicken stock may be used to reduce calories.
3. Salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve with a garnish of a dollop of sour cream, grated cheese and chives.

Notes

* Freeze bacon for easier cutting.