[Nyniane]

I love this potato soup!

2 baked potatoes (reality check: frozen potato cubes work just as well. About 4 cups worth)
3 tablespoons margarine
1 medium chopped white onion
8 oz diced ham (optional)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 cups instant mashed
potato flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups half-and-half (fat free can be substituted with no loss)
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (garnish)
8 ounces bacon - cooked and crumbled (garnish if you don't add ham)
2 green onions, chopped (garnish)

Melt the butter and sautee the onion until clear. Add flour to make a roux. Pour in chicken stock. Add cornstarch and spices. Let come to boil. Add potato flakes, potatoes (and ham), and half and half. Simmer for at least 15 min. Serve topped with cheese, bacon, and green onion.