Soup is good food
To say that my diet is currently out the window is an understatement. I have a feeling it will stay that way until after Thanksgiving, sigh. So since I have not be dieting while sick I thought I would throw caution to the wind and make potato cheese soup that no doubt clogged my arteries by just inhaling it. I also made the rolls(something to do when I am up at 3am coughing) but I will highlight those another day. For now I will just focus on my soup.
I like texture to my soup, so instead of cubing all the potatoes I reserve one cup of potato to be shredded(like if you were making hash browns). I boil those separately and reserve them to add to the soup after it has been pureed. This soup is pretty simple with just the flavors of the potato, onion and cheese coming through. I know some people are not fans of parsley but I like what it adds to the color of the soup, feel free to just ignore it if you want.
Thanks again for all the well wishing. I feel much better, though I fear my cough, like an unwanted relative, will be extending it’s stay. :( I braved civilization today on this a rare sunny day in the Seattle area, so I know I am feeling better when I allow the public to see me. 
Potato Cheese Soup
7 cups peeled and cubed potatoes
1 cup peeled and shredded potatoes
2 cups peeled and chopped onions
4 cups chopped celery
2 teaspoons salt
4 cups half and half
6 tablespoons butter
1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
1/2 cup asiago cheese
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Place cubed potatoes, onions, celery and salt in water to cover in a large pot. Simmer until tender, about 15 minutes up to an hour depending on how mushy you like things. Place shredded potatoes in a separate pot and boil till tender.
Put in blender or food processor fitted with the metal blade and puree until smooth.
Return to soup pot; add half-and-half, butter. shredded potatoes, parsley and cheese. Stirring, simmer until piping hot. (Do not boil.)
November 19th, 2006 at 6:23 pm
I love potato soup. I tried making potato soup 40 years ago but was way disappointed because it wasn’t the potato soup I remembered my grandmother making. Maybe now I should try again. Look forward to the rolls - lovely texture. Glad you’re feeling some better.
November 20th, 2006 at 6:14 am
I’m trying this for dinner tonight!! YUM! As a side note, when my daughter was little, she thought the ‘real’ name for soup was, Soup Is Good Food! What do you want for dinner?? Soup Is Good Food! LOL!
November 20th, 2006 at 7:19 am
We have tons of potatoes right now..this looks like it’d be great to use them on
November 20th, 2006 at 8:36 am
The soup and rolls are perfect for a sick body. I think they’d be perfect for my non-sick body too… mmmmm
November 20th, 2006 at 12:11 pm
I hope this soup made you feel better! Before I even read the post, I noticed the very delicious-looking roll. And then I find out you made those…please share!
November 20th, 2006 at 2:50 pm
It’s nice to see that being under the weather isn’t affecting your photography! I love the idea of shredding some of the potatos and adding later - so smart!
November 20th, 2006 at 2:55 pm
Mmm… I love potato-based soups. I make a soup very similar to this one but with cauliflower as well as potatoes. I will post the recipe when I get back from my Thanksgiving trip.
November 20th, 2006 at 3:54 pm
I’m sorry you’re sick and hope you feel better soon - but wow, that soup sounds good.
November 20th, 2006 at 7:54 pm
This looks ammmmmazing. I just added it to my Thanksgiving menu. Wow!
November 20th, 2006 at 9:07 pm
Looks yummy!
Hope you’re feeling better by Turkey Day…I’m looking forward to the pictures!
November 21st, 2006 at 12:28 pm
Peabody, I could kiss you for this soup.
My god…I think I’m in love.
November 21st, 2006 at 3:00 pm
This soup sounds excellent! And the idea of the shredded potatoes is a great one. Have you considered cooking a bit of the onions and celery with the shredded potato for even more textural interest? And I agree–great photography. Now, get well!
November 21st, 2006 at 7:08 pm
Oh I’m so excited to try this recipe! It’s on the menu for tomorrow
Tiff
November 21st, 2006 at 7:35 pm
Julie- the roll recipe will go up next week.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
peabody…
i frequently read your blog, and make your recipes but have never commented until now. this is the best potato soup recipe ever, hands down. we loved it. keep up the good work. sorry i didn’t get in on the “housewarming”.
agenttriplex