Cheddar Potato Soup

Cheddar Potato Soup (modified from Taste of Home)
(Printable Version)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 stalk of celery, chopped
2 T. olive oil
5 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
2 cups (8oz pkg) shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups milk (I used coconut milk)
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1-2 tsp salt (add 1tsp, taste and add more if needed)
Dash paprika

In a large pot, saute onion and celery in oil until tender. Add potatoes, broth, and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Puree in small batches in a blender until smooth; return to pot. *We wanted more chunky soup, so I pureed about half of the potato mixture and then just roughly mashed the remaining mixture. Just do it however your family likes it* Stir in cheese, milk, pepper, salt and paprika. Cook and stir over low heat until cheese is melted.

Serve with seasoned croutons or crusty bread. Yield: 6 servings