POTATO SOUP

We loved this soup.  It is so hearty and keeps you full.  Nice on a cold day.  I put it in the instant pot about 1:30 and did crock pot setting.  We ate it about 5:30 pm.  Everything was soft.  We cooked bacon and crumbled in each serving.  Also put in chopped chives.  For the leftovers we haven’t put in bacon.  Good without.

1/4 onion diced
6 potatoes diced small, skins removed, or most of them, yukon gold are softer than others for this, or can use russet (I did some of both)
1 c celery diced
6 c chicken broth more or less depending on how thick you want it
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 c carrots shredded or finely diced, optional
3 tbsp bacon bits optional
---
1.5 c (I did about 2 cups) cheddar cheese shredded, I like sharp
1 c heavy cream (did add 2 T cornstarch to help it thicken)
1 tbsp chives for garnish
cooked bacon to garnish, optional

Instructions
Add all onion, potatoes, celery, salt, carrot, garlic powder and broth to your pot. (add bacon bits if desired now too) Stir together
Put lid on and close steam valve. Press pressure high for 8 minutes.
When you hear the beep do a quick release.
Carefully remove the lid and stir.
Add 1 1/2 cup of cheese, and heavy cream and stir until cheese has melted. It will thicken more as it sits. (if you want it a bit thicker turn to saute, add 3 tbsp of water / heavy cream whisked together with 1 or 2 tbsp cornstarch, add in, stir, and allow to bubble and thicken)
Serve in a bowl garnished with extra cheese and chives (parsley would be good too).


https://temeculablogs.com/instant-pot-potato-cheese-soup/

THREE CHEESE AND BACON DIP

THREE CHEESE AND BACON DIP

http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/recipes/appetizers-snacks/three-cheese-and-bacon-spread.aspx

This was a must have, but good. Would make it again.

4	oz (half 8-oz package) fat-free cream cheese, softened
1/3	cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
1	tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
2	tablespoons fat-free (skim) milk
1/8	teaspoon paprika
	Dash pepper
1/4	cup raisins
2	tablespoons real bacon bits
2	medium green onions, thinly sliced (2 tablespoons)
16	whole-grain crackers
1	large red apple, sliced

1.	In small bowl, beat cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, paprika and pepper with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
2.	Stir in raisins, bacon bits and onions until well blended.
3.	Serve spread with crackers and apple slices.

Nutritional Information

1 Serving: Calories 100 (Calories from Fat 20); Total Fat 2 1/2g (Saturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg;Sodium 250mg; Total Carbohydrate 15g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 7g); Protein 5g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A4%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 8%; Iron 4% Exchanges: 1/2 Starch; 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 Lean Meat Carbohydrate Choices: 1
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.