Owen, brother to Max

I’m in Chicago again, this time for the birth of grandson number two, Owen James. Owen was born on April 10th, he and Mama are doing great. Max is slowly adjusting to baby brother and is a complete joy to be around. While Marissa, Jeff, and Owen were still in the hospital, I got busy with the Instant Pot and whipped out four meals in one day. This is by far my favorite, and Max’s too.

I found the recipes by Googling “Top 10 Instant Pot Recipes”

Instant Pot Potato Soup

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 can cream of chicken soup 
• 8 medium or 5 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 

Toppings 

• Sliced green onions
• Additional shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Plug in Instant Pot and turn on the Sauté button, add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp. Remove bacon to paper towels and reserve the drippings in the pot.

Add butter to the drippings. Once butter is melted, add in the onions and cook for 4 minutes or until soft. Add the garlic and cook for one additional minute until fragrant, stirring constantly so the garlic does not burn.

Add the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, potatoes, salt, and pepper to the pot, stir well. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the vent valve to “Sealing.” Press the Manual button on cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release the pressure at the top of the lid.

Meanwhile, whisk together the milk and flour in a bowl, creating a slurry. Set aside.

Once the steam has completely released and the pin has dropped on the lid, open the lid and whisk in the slurry. Turn the pot to sauté and cook the soup for an additional 5 minutes, or until thickened.

Stir in the 2 cups of cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Serve garnished with the bacon, green onions, and more cheese.

Serves 6