Potato Cheese Soup

Mmmm! The best thing about crock potting is that my house smells delicious ALL. DAY. LONG! And I tell you, this cheesy potato soup smells amazing! Okay, okay, I took a lil peek taste and maybe, just maybe, it also already taste amazing! I can't wait til tonight after the potatoes are cooked and all the flavors are married together in that yummy cheesy sauce... 

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups warm water
• 2 large carrots, diced ( I like baby carrots, used 8 oz of sliced baby carrots)
• 4 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1 can condensed cheese soup
• 6 slices bacon, cut in 2 in strips
•  5 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan and cook onions in butter til translucent.
2. Stir in flour til smooth.
3. Gradually stir in water, carrots, celery, garlic and salt and pepper. 
4. Heat through, and as it starts to thicken, add milk and cheese soup.
5. Let simmer 5-10 mins, stirring frequently, til cheese soup is well blended.
6. Add chicken broth and bacon. 
7. Let simmer 5-10 more mins.
8. Add cubed potatoes to slow cooker, pour soup mixture over top.
9. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 5 hours.
10. Stir in shredded cheese and allow to cook a bit longer until cheese is melted and serve!

Top with shredded cheese and bacon bits!

Day 13: I am thankful for my crock pot. I have a busy week of First Birthday planning and prep and doctor appointments, so being able to prepare a meal within 30 minutes during Bug's morning nap and letting it cook on it's own all day has and will be a blessing!