Holiday Prep and Sorta-Homemade Potato Soup

Yesterday we celebrated Ryan’s mom’s birthday!

Some little ones really enjoyed the cake!  Sadie missed the party since she was with Leenie and Poppy.  However, she was happy that the cake was left here so she could have a piece tonight!

Soon Leenie and Poppy arrived here in Rock Hill.  We headed to the mall for a quick visit with Santa.  We had to make sure that he knew she wanted a Unicorn Pillow Pet!  The visit was very successful!  Very small wait time and no tears!

She was rewarded with a quick 50 cent ride in the Merry-Go-Round!

  

This morning, we got up and headed to Charlotte… to visit IKEA!  Guess how much this breakfast cost…

99 cents for the food…

and 99 cents for the coffee!  $1.98 total!  You can’t beat that!

We had a fun shopping trip and scored some fun items… which I can’t mention here because some are gifts! :) We picked Sadie up from school and she was excited to see her Aunt Adrienne!

 

And now… for the recipe…

“Sorta-Homemade Potato Soup”

This is the easiest soup you will ever make.  And I can promise that NO ONE will ever guess that you started with a mix.  I have made this several times over the past couple of weeks and this soup has been a hit every time!  These bear Creek Soup Mixes are soooooooo good!  I usually don’t like soups from a mix, but these are REALLY good, and you would not know it is a mix.

Ingredients:

• 1 packet Bear Creek Creamy Potato Soup Packet (Found on the soup aisle at Bi-Lo or Wal-Mart—and you can also use the Cheesy Potato Soup Mix)
• 1/2 cup sour cream, plus extra for topping (I used light and that worked fine)
• 1/2 cup bacon pieces, plus extra for topping (I use the ones in the bag on the salad aisle)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping (I used light)

Bring 9 cups of water to a boil.  Then add the soup packet.  Bring back up to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes.  Stir occasionally so that the potatoes don’t stick to the bottom.  Just before serving, add the sour cream, bacon, and cheese.  Stir and serve.  Top with extra bacon, sour cream, and cheese if desired.