Soup-er Duper Monday

On this COLD Northwest Arkansas night, we just had the best dinner. It's one of our favorites, actually. I've been meaning to post it on here for a while but keep forgetting so without further ado,
Hard Rock Cafe's Baked Potato Soup!

3 good sized potatoes (baked and cut into pieces)
1/2 a package of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup onions (I leave out and dump in some dried onion flakes)
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup half and half
1/8 cup fresh parsley (I just dump some dried parsley in)
3/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried basil
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4-3/4 tsp red pepper (add only if you want more heat!!)
1/2 cup cheese

Chop bacon and reserve grease (or don't reserve grease and use vegetable oil in place). Heat grease and cook onions in bacon drippings (or oil) over medium high heat until transparent, about 3 minutes. Add flour and stir about 3-5 minutes, until mixture starts to turn golden brown. Add chicken stock gradually, whisking to prevent lumps. Whisk until liquid thickens. Reduce heat to simmer and add cream, potatoes, chopped bacon, parsley, garlic powder, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes; do not allow to boil. Add grated cheese and heat until cheese melts smoothly. Garnish each serving with chopped bacon and cheese.
*This recipe makes 4 servings.
As you can tell, we like it thick so I whisk the stock and flour mixture until it's nice and thick! I heard about this recipe on somebody's blog (I think) last winter and just googled the recipe, and we've been enjoying it ever since!

And what did Miss Sara Kate have for dinner?? Any guesses by what's on her face? :-)
Well, she had butternut squash and pears, which she LOVES!!!
And now she's read for milk so I better get off here!!