Paula Deen's Lean: Creamy Cheddar Soup

I am so excited to have a guest chef on my blog today! This lean southern recipe was madeover by my wonderful and supportive husband, Rudy. This is actually a recipe that he has been using for a few years now. Only this time, he really made an effort to lean it out and the outcome was AMAZING! If you like a good comfort food for those cold fall and winter days, look no further. This soup is just what you need to warm you up...body and soul.

CREAMY CHEDDAR SOUP (WITH POTATOES)
SERVES 4


INGREDIENTS

2 large potatoes, cut into 1 inch cubes and boiled
1 small onion, diced
2 large pimentos, diced
3 tablespoon "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!"
3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cup FAT FREE & REDUCED SODIUM chicken stock
2 cup HALF & HALF
3/4 cup grated 2% sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup green onions
Salt and black pepper, to taste
dash of cayenne pepper (optional)

DIRECTIONS

In a saucepan, saute onion and pimentos in butter for 5 to 7 minutes. Blend in flour. Add stock and half & half. Cook until thick. Add cheese and stir until melted. Add 1/4 cup green onions, salt and pepper to taste, and cayenne if desired. Garnish with remaining green onions.

SERVING SUGGESTION

Rudy topped off our soup with some chopped TURKEY BACON, a little chopped green onion and just one pinch of cheese. Although we didn't have any last night, a drop of FAT FREE or LIGHT sour cream would be a nice topping too.

THE OUTCOME

Like I said earlier, this creamy "potato" cheddar soup is fabulous! With or without adding the potato, the flavor is simply amazing. By the looks of my husband's juggling act in the kitchen last night, I wouldn't say this recipe is easy. I might label it as moderate difficulty, but it all depends on the cook, I guess.

I am very thankful for a night off in the kitchen. It's great to have someone else cook for you, especially when that cook is a good one! Thank you, Rudy!

Check out Paula's original Creamy Cheddar Soup recipe to see how Rudy's lean version compares. ENJOY!