Marie Callenders Cream of Potato Cheddar Cheese Soup (CopyCat)

Marie Callenders Cream of Potato Cheddar Cheese Soup (CopyCat)

4 cups diced potatoes
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1/2 cup diced celery
5 cups water
4 chicken bouillon cubes
8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 1/4 cups half and half
1/2 teaspoon sugar
salt and pepper -- to taste
shredded monterey jack cheese -- for garnish

On medium low heat in a 3 quart sauce pan sauté celery and onions with butter. Cook onions until clear and celery take care not to let onions brown. Add chicken broth, potatoes and water. Place on medium low heat and cook until potatoes are very soft and tender.

When potatoes are done add chicken bouillon cubes and cook until cubes have been dissolved. Mash the potatoes slightly but leaving most of them in chunks. Reduce heat and add half and half, stir mixture. Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir until cheese is completely melted and dissolved into mixture.

Sprinkle sugar, pepper, and salt into soup, stir. Let soup simmer very slowly for 20 - 30 minutes taking care not to let soup scorch. When ready to serve garnish with shredded colby cheese, jack cheese and maybe a little parsley.