I can't take credit for this recipe, it came to me from my friend Ashley King, years ago. It is a winter favorite at my house. Caroline requested it for dinner tonight, so I am making it now. Be warned...this soup is delicious, addicting, filling and comforting...but there is nothing healthy about it! That doesn't keep us from enjoying it, every now and then though!!
Ashley's Potato Soup
3 lbs red potatoes, diced into 1/2 inch cubes (I use a whole 5 lb bag bc we like it really chunky)
Kosher salt, to taste
1/2 stick butter
1/4 cup flour
2 qts half and half (I use whole milk to cut down on the fat)
2 lb Velveeta (or the knock off brand)
1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
pepper (I use none bc I don't enjoy it at all), to taste
garlic powder (I use 1/2-1 tsp), to taste
hot sauce (I use 3 or 4 "shakes" of the bottle of Louisiana Hot Sauce), to taste
As a garnish:
Cheddar Cheese
Chopped Green Onions
Sour Cream
Cover potatoes with water, add kosher salt, and  boil for 10 min. In large pot, add butter and melt over low heat. Add flour, mixing until smooth. Place over low heat and gradually add half and half (or whole milk). Continue to stir until smooth and begins to thicken. Add velveeta, in chunks, and stir. Cover and put over low heat. Stir every couple of minutes. Drain potatoes and add to cream mixture, once the velveeta has melted. Add bacon. Stir in garlic powder, pepper and hot sauce. Cook over low heat for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Enjoy!