When I was a kid, my brothers, sister and I use to play out in the snow all day.  When we’d finally come in, exhausted and numbed by the cold, we’d sit by the fire where my mom would bring us potato soup.  This weekend, the snow left me with cravings for childhood and potato soup.  We had potatoes, so I didn’t waste time.

One time when I was looking for a pretty easy potato soup recipe, I came across this one.  It turned out moderately well, but not at all like momma’s.  Today, I stuck with the idea of starting with mashed potatoes (though I made them from scratch just before I started in on the soup recipe).

Photo by Nathan Clendenin

Ingredients:

• 4-5 c. mashed potatoes (I made mine with butter, milk, and sour cream)
• 6 oz. (half a bottle) beer
• 1/2 pkg. bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 c. milk
• 3-4 c. chicken broth (I went cheap with water and chicken bouillon)
• 1/2 medium onion
• salt and pepper to taste (be prepared to add a lot)
• grated cheddar cheese for topping

Procedures:

In large pot, whisk together mashed potatoes, beer, milk, chicken broth, bacon, and onion.  Since all mashed potatoes come out at a different consistency, use your eye to make sure to add enough (but not too much) chicken broth for the soup.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Cook until thickened.  Top with cheddar.

Notes:

• In all honesty, the beer was just an excuse for me to not have to drink an entire bottle, and you likely would be fine without it.  Moreover, this certainly isn’t like momma made it growing up.  :)