Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 3 bacon strips, diced or 2 T. olive oil
  
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 4-5 potatoes, peeled and cubed
  
• 1 cup half-and-half cream or milk
  
• 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, optional
  
• Shredded Cheddar cheese
• Minced fresh parsley, optional
• Green onions, chopped, optional

Directions:
In a large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp. Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Set bacon aside. If not using bacon, just warm olive oil. Saute onion and garlic in the drippings or olive oil until tender. Stir in flour, salt, basil and pepper; mix well.

In another pot, bring broth to a boil and cook potatoes (and any other vegetables you want) until tender.

Gradually add broth and potatoes to onion mixture. Bring to boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes. Add cream and hot pepper sauce; heat through but do not boil. Garnish with bacon, cheese, parsley, and green onions.