Loaded Baked Potato Soup

SO.... my oldest loves pancakes.  Not just, "mmmmmm, Mom, these are delicious pancakes." But "Mom, I know we've had pancakes for every meal for the past week, but can we please have them for dinner tonight, again?"  She would eat them at every opportunity she can get!  So, to give me a break from cooking and a little girls night out, we go over to IHop.  Now, because of how many pancakes I make at home, I really don't want to eat them at IHop either.  BUT!  Have you tried their soup??!  When I tasted this the first time, it was unbelievable.  I knew I was going to have to try and make it.  But to that follow up, thought it was going to be hard and complicated.  When I finally found a recipe that I could agree with (I like them simple, 8 ingredients or less PLEASE!), I gave it a try.  Wonderful and Easy!  Now we can have pancakes and soup at home!

I know it is starting to warm up outside, but this thick hearty soup is delicious enough, I think I just might be ever so daring to make it throughout the entire year.

Ingredients

• 6 Large Potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 Large Onion, diced
• 1 Quart Chicken Broth
• 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 1/4 Cup Butter
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 1 Cup Cream (Half and Half Okay)
• 1 Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Directions

1. Step One

   Combine all ingredients except for cream/ half and half, and cheese.
   (in the crock pot)

2. Step Two

   Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours (potatoes should be tender).

3. Step Three

   Then you will need to mash potatoes until coarsely chopped and soup is slightly thickened.
   (I got one of those hand mixers and just completely pureed it, or just using a potato masher would work well too.)

4. Step Four

   Stir in cream and cheese. Garnish with toppings (bacon, chives, sour cream, cheese).
   
   Source:  Crockin Girls Blog