Baked Potato Soup

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 large baking potatoes (about 2 3/4 lb.)
• 2/3 butter
• 2/3 c. all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 6 c. milk
• 1 c. (8 oz.) sour cream
• 1/4 c. onions
• 10 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• 1 c. (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Bake potatoes at 350° for 65-75 minutes or until tender. Cool completely. Peel and cube potatoes. In a large saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat. Whisk in sour cream. Add potatoes and onions. Garnish with bacon, cheese and peppers if desired. Serves 10 people