Cheddar & Bacon Potato Soup

I made this tonight and it was so yummy I have to share! I like potato soups and this was one I pulled together in honor of this super cheddar cheese my aunt got us for Christmas (raw artisan cheddar from a small farm in Vermont!). Anyway, if you're not afraid of fat, give it whirl!

Ingredients:
8 slices of bacon chopped into 1/2" pieces
1 onion finely diced
3 Tbs flour
4 medium potatoes, chopped
1 bay leaf
3-4 cups chicken stock or water
1 1/2- 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded (the better the cheese, the better the soup!!)

1) Cook chopped potatoes in a separate pot until they are just cooked through (still nice and firm). If you want a smooth soup, puree the potatoes now. If you like it chunkier, then leave them be. Set aside.

2) Put the bacon into a hot pot and turn heat to medium-low. Render the fat out of the bacon by cooking it on med-low til the bacon is crispy and there's a lot of fat in the pan (about 10-15 minutes). Add chopped onion and cook til onion is soft & clear. Add flour and cook for another minute, stirring often.

3) Add broth and bay leaf and cooked potatoes, bringing soup to a boil. Turn heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Add shredded cheese, stirring until smooth and completely melted. Remove bay leaf and enjoy!