Houlihan's Baked Potato Soup

1 1/2 lb baking potatoes
1/4 lb butter
2 cups yellow onion, diced
1/3 c flour
5 cups water
1/4 cup low sodium chicken base
1 cup instant potato flakes
3/4 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp Tabasco sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
salt to taste
white pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prick washed potatoes & bake until a fork pierces to the center easily. Remove potatoes from oven and allow to fully cool. Remove skin and cut potatoes into 1/2" cubes. Set aside. Melt butter in a large saucepan. Add onions & saute over low heat for 10 minutes or until onions are translucent. don't allow onions to burn. Add flour to onions and butter and cook 4 - 5 minutes, stirring well until flour is absorbed. In a separate container, combine water, chicken base, potato flakes and seasonings. Stir or whisk thoroughly to eliminate lumps. Add slowly to onion misture, stirring constantly so no lumps form. Increase to medium heat and continue cooking until the soup begins to gently simmer. Add milk & simmer lightly. Add cubed baked potatoes and stir to combine. Remove from heat & serve. Top each serving with grated cheddar cheese, sliced scallions & bacon pieces.

Recipe by : Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Serving Size: makes 8 1 cup servings(estimated)

Number of Servings: 8

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user JUANOBME145.