Potato Soup (Hot or Cold)

This, I believe, qualifies as a five-ingredient recipe. It's fast, easy, and great for a cold day. Of course, the cold version (see note), which I haven't tried, should be great for a warm day. This would be terrific recipe to teach your own kids or other kids to make. Could be completed in a class period at school or church.

For a fund-raiser, make lots of this soup at a low cost, using stock base and water rather than canned stock. Have folks donate the garnishes, which folks can pile on as they wish. Charge adults $6 for all they can eat; charge kids $3. Families could opt to pay $20 for their brood. Having donated apple desserts would add a nice complement to the soup.

Wendy’s Quick Potato Soup

Serves 4

1 very large russet potato, about 1 pound

1 medium onion

3 cups chicken or vegetable stock

4 ounces shredded cheese at room temperature

1 cup milk, half-and-half, or cream at room temperature

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Minced parsley leaves, optional for garnish

Sliced chives, optional for garnish

Sliced green onions, optional for garnish

Crumbled bacon, optional for garnish

Finely shredded cheese, optional for garnish

Paprika, optional for garnish

1. Peel potato and cut into small chunks.

2. Peel onion and cut into small chunks; should be about 1 cup.

3. Bring stock to a boil

4. Add potato and onion to stock. Reduce stock to a simmer. Cover pot.

5. Simmer about 15 minutes or until potato and onion are tender.

6. Use an immersible blender to purée incomplete soup, or pour into a

blender, purée in batches, and then return to pan.

7. Add cheese and stir until it is melted.

8. Stir in milk, half-and-half, or cream and heat gently but do not boil.

9. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

10. Garnish as desired before serving.

NOTE: Recipe can be used to make chilled potato soup. In this case, don’t use cheese. After puréeing in Step 6, chill incomplete soup for up to two days or freeze for up to a month. Then, thaw if need be, and follow Step 8. Chill again. When ready to serve, follow Steps 9 and 10.