Potato, Bacon and Cheddar Soup

I like homemade cream soups but don't like the texture when they are put through the blender.  I still like to have something to chew.  I found this soup recipe here and thought I'd give it a try. 

Ingredients
6 large potatoes
1 liter chicken stock (I used store bought this time) 
2 green onions chopped (I omitted these since I didn't have any and just added more chives)
1 c milk
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
1 c mozzarella cheese
½ c chives
2 Tbsp sour cream
½ package bacon
seasonings to taste - salt, pepper, paprika, etc. 


Thinly slice bacon, fry until crisp and drain.  Set aside.

 

Peel and cube potatoes.  Cook potatoes in chicken stock and add water if needed to cover potatoes.  Cook until potatoes are well done.  Do not drain.

If you like smoother soup, run the potatoes and liquid through the blender.  I like mine rough mashed instead.  I leave them lumpy.

Mix in the chives, onions, bacon and cheeses. 

Stir to help melt the cheese.

Add sour cream.

Add milk and stir.  If it is too thick, add more milk.

Return to heat for a few minutes and season to taste.  I added a bit of pepper and paprika. 

The soup was thick, tasty and filling.  To reheat leftover soup, you need to add more milk.  Enjoy!  ;)

Crispy Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

I saw this recipe and thought it sounded wonderful. 
http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/01/crisp-grilled-cheese-sandwich-recipe.html
I love melted cheese but I also love crispy cheese that you get when you order cheese toast in a restaurant and they have grilled it so it is nice and crispy.  This recipe has both!


Ingredients
4 slices bread
soft butter or marg
1/2 c grated parmesan cheese
1 c grated cheese - cheddar or cheddar-mozzarella mix

I grated both cheddar and mozzarella cheese because I like the extra gooeyness of mozzarella but wanted the taste of the cheddar.

Finely grate parmesan or use pre-grated (I didn't have any fresh so used the handy can).

Slice bread fairly thick and butter both sides of each slice.

Place 2 slices in preheated pan and cook until browned.

Sprinkle both slices with parmesan cheese.

Flip the slices over to brown the second side.

Sprinkle cheddar or cheddar-mozza on top of the 2 slices.

Cook until cheese starts to melt and bottom is nicely brown.

Quickly flip one piece onto the second and remove from pan.  Repeat with other 2 slices or as many sandwiches as you need.

Let sandwich sit a couple of minutes so the inside is melted and nice and gooey.  Slice in half and enjoy!  ;)