Loaded Potato Soup

Ingredients:

1 package (12 oz) bacon

1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion

6 cups chicken broth (from 2 32 oz cartons)

2 lbs. baking potatoes, peeled and cubed

2/3 cup butter

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

4 cups milk

1teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 cup cooked diced ham

1 8 oz container sour cream

2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded

3/4 cup sliced green onions

Directions:

In a 12 inch skillet, cook bacon over medium heat for 6 to 7 min, drain, crumble, set aside.  Reserve 2 Tablespoons of drippings in skillet.  Cook onion in bacon drippings over medium high heat 6 min. or until almost tender.  In a 6 quart Dutch oven, mix onion, broth, and potatoes.  Heat to boiling; reduce heat.  Cook 10 minutes on low or until potatoes are almost tender.  Stir in flour with whisk until smooth.  Cook and stir 1 minute.  Gradually stir in 2 cups of milk, the salt and pepper.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with whisk, until mixture is thickened and bubbly.  Stir in ham, half of the bacon, sour cream, 2 cups of cheese, and half cup of green onions.  Cook until thoroughly heated and cheese is melted.  Evenly top individual servings with remaining bacon, 1/2 cup cheese and 1/4 cup green onions.