My Most Favorite Soup Ever- Healthified!

We call this 'Cheesy Potato Soup'. I love anything potato and potato soup is my fav (like at Panera- yum!)! So here is a healthy version. I used to make this according to the recipe, and my husband and I both agreed that the healthier version tasted even better. First meal I ever made for him when we were dating! :)







Cheesy Potato Soup

6 medium potatoes

1 small onion

3 tablespoons organic butter

3 tablespoons whole wheat flour

Crushed red pepper flakes

Ground black pepper

3-4 cups raw milk (yes, I did say raw...although you can use regular or organic milk if you're not quite 'there' yet!)

1/2 teaspoon organic cane sugar or Xylitol

1 cup shredded all natural cheese such as white cheddar, swiss, monterrey jack or a combo of all 3  Raw cheese would be best!

About 1/2 lb uncured ham or You can also substitute turkey, cut in cubes. We don't eat a lot of pork and are trying to get away from it completely. Next time I make this I will use organic uncured turkey breast. You could also use uncured organic chicken sausage (cook it first).

Boil a pot of water while you peel and chop the potatoes (cut into cubes). Add potatoes and cook until tender. Drain, reserving one cup of the cooking water and set the potatoes and liquid aside.

Peel and finely chop onion. Melt coconut oil in pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent and tender, but not brown. Add flour and season with red pepper flakes and pepper (beware- spicy!). Cook 3-4 minutes. Gradually add potatoes, reserved 1 cup cooking liquid, 3 cups milk and sugar. Stir well. Add cheese and ham. Add extra cup of milk if too 'stoupy'. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Pair with a salad and dinner's done!