Easy Potato Chowder

I love soup, all kinds.  I find soup/chowder/chili to be a comfort food.  With the weather getting colder it's perfect for soup.  Or chowder.  I decided to make one of my favorite recipes for dinner the other night.  It's easy, quick and delicious!

First you take 3 potatoes and cut them in half.  Place them in a microwavable casserole dish.  Add a 1/2 cup of milk.

Microwave on high for 10 minutes.  Take them out and put the inner potatoes on the outside while moving the other ones in.  Microwave for another 8-10 minutes or until they are soft.

Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk 4 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth.

Then slowly add 3 cups of milk, whisking to mix together.  It will become bubbly.

When the potatoes are done, mash the potatoes.

Add the cream cheese mixture (and butter but I forgot....I just added it later) and microwave for about 4 more minutes or until it's warm.

While that's cooking, chop up some green onion (chives also works well) and grate some cheddar cheese.

I also cooked up some bacon to use as a topping.  YUM!

Remove the casserole dish from the microwave.  Add the cheddar cheese, green onion and some salt and pepper.

Carefully mix everything together until the cheese is melted.  Serve with toppings such as bacon or sour cream if you'd like.  I like to add fresh parsley and chive.  Enjoy!