Better Recipes Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Since my son turned one I'm trying to get him off baby food and onto "table" food so I fed him this recipe. He loved this soup and made happy grunting sounds that I took to mean this is one yummy recipe. It's also easy and inexpensive to make.

Ingredients:

• 6 bacon strips, chopped
• 2 cups fat free milk
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 (7.6 ounce) package roasted garlic instant mashed potatoes
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Chives
• Sour cream

Preparations:

1. Cook bacon, drain on a paper towel, set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons to sprinkle on top of soup.
2. Combine milk and water in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; add potatoes, and stir with a wire whisk until well blended. Add 3/4 cup cheese, stirring until cheese melts. Add all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon. 
3. Spoon into serving bowls; sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/4 cup cheese, 2 tablespoons bacon and freshly ground black pepper. 
4. Top with chopped chives and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

I was out of chives!