Cheesy Potato Soup

I'm starting to think I have a problem. This is the 5th potato soup recipe I've posted to this blog. Maybe it's because I believe in options. Maybe it's just that I'm obsessed.

A very wise woman (who had 7 children) once told me, "Rachael, when cooking, always include potatoes, pasta or bread-the three cheapest and most filling ingredients you can buy." I took that to heart, and by golly, she was right.

Since it's officially fall, and because it's starting to actually feel like it,

Ingredients:

• lb. thick-sliced bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 1/2 pack Ranch packet
• 1 stick butter
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 6 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes (2 lb.)
• 1 Tbsp. ground mustard
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 5 cups shredded sharp Cheddar
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

• Place potatoes, onion, garlic and chicken broth in the crock pot on low for 8 hours
• After the 8 hours is up, transfer the entire potato/broth mixture into a large bowl or dutch oven.
• Mash potatoes, leaving a few chunks.
• Add the rest of the ingredients, keeping heat on low.
• Once everything is mixed together, move heat up to medium, stirring continually until heated thoroughly.

Serve with fresh bread. And a Diet Coke. Always serve everything with a Diet Coke.

Love and potaters,

-->

The Loose Goose Giveaway!

Can I just tell you how happy I am that it's cooling off outside? I had co-workers coming into work today saying that it was a little too cold for their taste. I, on the other hand, am feeling comfortable for the first time in 6 months. Hallelujah!

The cool weather reminded me that Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you're anything like me, you've already started planning. If you're nothing like me, please, no judging, I know I have a problem...a holiday addiction. Regardless of whether you're a planner or a procrastinator, this giveaway is perfect for you!

The Loose Goose emphasizes vintage decor with a past. Nicole's items are classically chic and can be customized to any occasion. She explained to me that the term "loose goose" comes from the meaning that if you are loose, then you have a past, just like these items!

How cute is that?

What's even cuter are her items. She (primarily) sells personalized antique silverware and serveware on Etsy. It's perfect for weddings, holidays or to mark special occasions, and it's affordable!

We are so excited to be giving away this gorgeous *Vintage Silver Plated Hand Stamped Thanksgiving Serving Fork & Spoon with a Lady Doris 1929 pattern, just in time for Thanksgiving. To enter, all you need to do is answer this question in the comments section below:

Be honest...what's your least-favorite dish that someone always shows up to Thanksgiving dinner with? The one that they insist you "take two bites of and you'll be hooked" and you actually never get hooked on.

The deadline is Sunday, October 14th at 5pm. Please leave your email address with the comment.

The winner will be selected randomly using random.org. Good luck, and don't forget to drop by The Loose Goose shop!

Love and cute things,

-->
-->
*Fork: 8 1/4"
Spoon: 8 1/4".
Hand Stamped "bless us & give thanks
You will receive the exact items shown.
Due to the size of these items they will be wrapped in tissue paper with a lovely coordinating ribbon. Please understand that silver plate flatware has a past. This means there are imperfections that represent the traces of history. I carefully select pieces that are beautifully designed and have a pleasing patina.