It's been COLD in Texas! Said practically no one ever. Nonetheless, cold it has been. And of course, there is nothing better than hot soup to warm your bones on cold nights.

It was Sunday and the week had been so busy that I had not planned out our Sunday Supper. GASP! I only gasp so dramatically because Sunday is carbs-allowed day and I had not planned accordingly!

So of course, I rummaged through my pantry and fridge to see what I could drum up.

This was fast, easy, delicious, and a carb-loaded reward. And it was even better the next day for The Hubster's lunch!

LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP

4 large potatoes, scrubbed and chopped into 1-inch cubes

4 tbs extra virgin olive oil (evoo)

1 tsp sea salt

1 tbs black pepper

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 package bacon, chopped

1 tsp white wine

1-32 oz box chicken broth

1 1/2 cups sour cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 tsp white pepper

1 tbs butter

In a heavy pot (I use my cast iron Dutch oven!) on medium-high, heat evoo for about one minute and then add potatoes. In a small frying pan (believe it or not, I use my tiny cast iron skillet!) heat onion, garlic, and bacon on medium-high heat for five minutes or until bacon is cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and add white wine. Stir and scrape any "bits" from the bottom with a wooden spoon or spoonula and set aside.

Meanwhile, stir potatoes and add sea salt and pepper. Let them sit in the pot, untouched, for about five minutes or until crisp and brown on bottom. Stir and add chicken broth, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, add bacon mixture to the pot, lower the heat, cover and let simmer for thirty minutes. Bring heat back up to medium and stir in sour cream, cheese, and white pepper. Let cook another three minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, add butter and let melt, then stir and serve.

NOTES: For garnish, you can sprinkle a little more shredded cheddar or some chopped chives on top. This smelled so good that no garnish made it to the bowl before it was devoured! For some crunch I added a few raw veggies and some rice crackers. For a healthier take on this meal, I use organic ingredients and uncured bacon But it is what it is. And it is DELICIOUS!!