Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This is my favorite potato soup.  In fact, I judge all other potato soups by this one.  Since the weather turned (just a bit) cooler I saw this as a perfect excuse for this and since I don't know how long the cool snap will last, or when it'll come back around again (it was in the 80's today) I needed to do this right away.

I   must warn you, however, while this is a hearty soup, it's not low calorie.  But it's oh so good!

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

You're going to need...

2/3 cup butter

2/3 cup flour

7 cups milk

4 large baking potatoes, baked, cooled, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)

4 green onions (I cut up the whole bunch and put in my soup!) sliced

12 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled (yeah, right. you'll notice that package of Hormel bacon... that's what I used.  Hey, it says "real bacon", right?

1 cup ( 8 oz) sour cream

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

In a large soup kettle, or Dutch oven, melt the butter.  Stir in flour; heat and stir until smooth.

Gradually add milk, stiring constantly until thickened. 

Add potatoes and onions.

Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes.

Add remaining ingredients; stir until cheese is melted.

Do you have a fave "cold weather" soup?    How do you feel about split pea soup?  Hope you like it because that's what I'm making next.  See?  Im on a soup kick so if you have any suggestions, fill me in!  

Note: I forgot to mention the cheese... Can't forget that! You need 2 cups.