Once again, last night we got hit with some snow and the temperature got down to 3 degrees.  With that in mind I thought we should have one of my mother favorites, baked potato soup.  There are a hundred different ways to make this soup, but I enjoy the way my mother makes it. What you will need:
-6 large baking potatoes
-1 pound of bacon(for bacon bits)
-1 (8oz) container of sour cream
-2c of shredded cheddar cheese
-2tbsp of green onions (sliced on a bias)
-6c of milk
2/3c of butter, melted
2/3c of flour

1) bake 6 large potatoes @ 400 for an hour.  And cook off 1 pound of bacon for your bacon bits. Once the potatoes are done allow them to cool slightly, then cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides and then set aside.  Once the bacon is nice and crispy allow them to drain on a paper towel so that the grease get soaked up, then chop into small pieces.
2) Start by melting 2/3 cup of  butter, then slowly add 2/3 cup of flour over a medium/low heat,stirring constantly to make a blonde rue.
3) Take 6 cups of milk and slowly start adding this to the rue.  Increase heat to medium, stirring constantly until it starts to thicken.
4) Add in your potatoes, half of the bacon, half of your green onions, and about 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until incorporated.
5) Slowly start to add your sour cream.  Stir until the sour cream is mixed into the soup well.  Make sure it doesn't come to a boil.  You just want it to heat through.
6) Serve immediately and top with more cheese, bacon bits, and green onions.  Add salt and pepper to your desired liking.