Loaded Potato Soup

Loaded Potato Soup

1/2 lb bacon, chopped.
1 onion, diced
3 leeks, chopped
1-1/2 Tbsp chopped garlic
Optional: 1/2 C chopped yellow pepper
Optional: 1 C corn
3 lbs potatoes sliced thinly
6 C chicken broth
1 tbsp chopped thyme
1 tbsp parsley
1 tbsp chives
1 C heavy cream
Shredded cheddar and sour cream for topping

Saute bacon until cooked. Add onion, garlic and leeks. Saute until softened. Add corn and peppers if desired. Add potatoes, broth, thyme, parsley and chives. Bring to boil. Cover and simmer approximately 45 minutes or until potatoes very soft. Add cream and use immersion blender or a hand masher tool to obtsin a creamy but slightly chunky texture. Top with cheddar cheese and sour cream.