Cooler weather and comfort foods just seem to go together, and what better comfort food for a cold winter evening that a steaming bowl of homemade potato soup? It is much healthier to make your own soups from scratch than it is to use a ready made canned version, and it really isn't that hard and does not take much longer to make it from fresh ingredients!

Potatoes can easily be used in many different versions of potato soup recipes. Just a few ideas for your next meal are creamy potato and leek soup, cheesy potato and ham chowder, or even potato corn chowder. Why not give one of them a try for supper tonight? Each recipe can easily be altered to be lower in fat content by simply substituting either low fat milk or half and half for the whipping cream called for in the original version.

Creamy Potato and Leek Soup:

Ingredients:

2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced

4 leeks (white part only) diced

3 cloves garlic minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)

2 tablespoons olive or canola oil

4 cups chicken broth

1 1/2 cup whipping cream (see above substitution for low fat version)

3 tablespoons corn starch

salt and pepper to taste

Fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Directions:

In a large stock or soup pot, saute leeks and garlic (if using fresh) in oil until tender and clear, but not browned. Add chicken broth, reserving 1/2 cup for later use. Add potatoes, garlic (if using powder), salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

In a small bowl, whisk together reserved 1/2 cup chicken broth and corn starch making a thin paste. Stir into soup to thicken. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Add whipping cream and heat through. Garnish with fresh chives if desired. Serve immediately.

Another delicious variation of traditional potato soup is cheesy potato and ham chowder. It is a bit more filling than regular potato soup and pairs well with only a simple salad of some crackers for a satisfying meal.

Cheesy Potato and Ham Chowder:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds red potatoes, peeled and diced

1 cup diced ham

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)

4 cups chicken broth

1 1/2 cup Velveeta, chopped OR 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/2 cup whipping cream (see intro for low fat substitutions)

2 tablespoons olive or canola oil

3 tablespoons corn starch

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a large soup pot, saute onion and garlic (if using fresh garlic) in

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