potato soup

Plan on feeding a crowd... this will make plenty. A bag of potatoes can go such a long way - as any good Irish girl would know! Use them as sides, or bake and add some shredded cheese, beans, sour cream, brocolli, etc. and host your own potato bar!

Potato Soup

8 potatoes, peeled and cut into about 1/2-inch cubes.
6 C chicken stock + water as needed (or all water)
2-3 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cans condensed milk (or, I use 2 C whole milk instead)
2 T unsalted butter
1/2 Tblsp sea salt (more/less to taste)
fresh ground pepper to taste
** 1 C cheddar cheese, shredded, for topping (optional)

Place veggies in a large stockpot.
Just barely cover the veggies with stock + water. Add salt, and bring to boil.
Reduce heat and cook until potatoes are soft (not mushy) - you can poke them with a fork.
Add milk and butter, and heat through.
If you like it "chowder-y" and thick, use a potato masher to smash a bit of the veggies. Otherwise, enjoy the soup, topped with a sprinkle of cheese! :)