fall is finally here!

the last month or so, i've been craving fall weather.  and despite temps still in the upper 90s, i've been pretending it's fall and making fall comfort foods like chicken and noodles and chili.  today, after much waiting, fall is finally here!  it's overcast and rainy with only a high of 72 degrees and i absolutely love it.  granted, i don't have to go anywhere, so that makes it all the much better. 

last night, i got home a little late after a movie and hadn't eaten dinner.  adam had already eaten, so i decided to keep it simple and fast and nuked up some potato soup from a can.  blech!  it was horrible and only made my craving for good potato soup all the stronger.  so i decided today that i would make some.  but i didn't want to go out in the rain to the store.  so i searched for a simple recipe that didn't call for anything i didn't already have.  voila!  i found this one.  the soup has been simmering for a few hours and has filled the house with it's aroma.  and even though it's only 11:30 in LA, i can't wait any longer!  i'm baking up some garlic bread, grating a little sharp cheddar on top of the soup and then digging in. 

here's the simple recipe!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes
• 1/4 minced onions
• 1/2 t. seasoning salt
• 1/4 t. white pepper
• 1/4 t. ground red pepper
• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, cut into small chunks

Directions:

1. Combine broth, potatoes, onion, and spices.
2. Boil on medium heat until potatoes are tender.
3. Smash a few of the potatoes to release their starch for thickening.
4. Reduce to low heat.
5. Add cream cheese.
6. Heat, stirring frequently, until cheese melts.

or find a direct link here:
http://www.food.com/recipe/paneras-cream-cheese-potato-soup-150863