Potato Soup - October Recipes

One of my goals on my 101 N 1001 list, was to try at least two new recipes a month. This however, was before I knew I would be out of a stove for at least the first 8 months of my new list of goals. And when I did get a stove, I can't say that I was all that inclined to do much cooking. It takes time, effort and energy...none of which I seemed to have at the time. Now that the weather has cooled off I have had this sudden desire to do a lot of cooking. 
Now I'm a very picky eater, but when I find things I like, at restaurants and such I like to see if I can find a recipe so I can make it at home. O'Charley's has THE BEST Loaded Baked Potato Soup. THE BEST. And this is from a person who does.not.like.soup. End of story. 
So I've been searching online for a recipe that came close to acheiving their soup, and while I'd tried one earlier this year (it was horrible) I found another and combined it with one I used last time, and this time it was awesome! Even my family loved it! That's saying a lot people. 
So without further ado, I give to you: Erin's Potato Soup as derived from here and here. 

2 Large Baking Potatoes
1/2 cup Butter (I used Earth Balance)
4 tbls Flour

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup shredded cheddar Cheese
Bacon bits
1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper 

1 tsp basil

1 cup half-and-half

Dice unpeeled red potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Place in pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Let boil for 10 minutes or until cooked. 

In a separate pot, combine melted margarine and flour, mixing until smooth.Here I added a handful of cheese and mixed in. Add salt, basil and pepper; mix well. Gradually add broth. Bring to boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes. Add the potatoes, cream, bacon bits and extra cheese; heat through but do not boil. Garnish with bacon, cheese and parsley.

It was a really simple recipe and great for those cool winter days! I'm so excited with how it came out! :) 

These little things make me happy. :)