Fully Loaded Potato Soup

In the kitchen with with my favorite potato peeling side kick, the only one who will peel potatoes for me, I appealed to his "hammy" side promising to put his picture on my blog. So here he is...

When you're in the mood for comfort food this is, rich, tasty and loaded with flavor.

6 large potatoes, russet or yukon gold
2 onions, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 14oz. cans chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup butter
2 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup cream or 1/2 & 1/2
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Optional toppings:
3 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
sour cream
shredded cheddar

In a large soup pot, saute the onion in the butter.Add the garlic, stirring it in the butter for just a minute . Then add the chicken broth, and the salt and pepper.

Add the carrots,

                                                                  and the potatoes.

Cook until tender.

Partially mash the hot soup, you can use this handy tool which helps to build those biceps and utilizes absolutely no electricity or...

this super handy, save the shoulder and speed things along power tool. Love it!!

Leave some lumps if you like texture or process until completely smooth, your choice.

Add the cream,

and the cheese. Stir it all together. Ladle it into bowls or the fancy soup tureen that's been gathering dust (wash it first), garnish with the toppings of your choice. 

And don't forget to serve the help first!