Ingredients:

2 Tblsp butter
1 or 2 medium onions
2 pounds potatoes
3 3/4 cups milk
3 3/4 cups water or broth
1 1/4 cups light cream or half & half
6 slices of bacon, fried crisp
salt & pepper to taste
Chopped chives or parsley
shredded Cheddar cheese

Melt the butter in a sauce pan, then add the sliced onions and cook gently until translucent. Add the peeled and sliced potatoes and season to taste. Add the milk and water or broth. Cover and let simmer for about 1 hour. Pour into a blender and puree (do this in batches). Add the cream or half & half and gently reheat, but do not boil. Serve with a choice of garnishes: chives, parsley, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.