Soup for the day!

OK, I am back on my soup kick!  This is my Grandpa's recipe for baked potato soup and it is worth the work it takes to make it!!!

Baked Potato Soup

2 medium potatoes
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup diced white onion
2 tablespoons flour
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups water
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 cups instant potatoes
1 cup half & half (I just use whole milk)
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/8 teaspoon thyme

Garnish - Shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, chives (whatever you like on your baked potatoes)

1. Bake potatoes at 400 until done (about an hour)
2. Melt butter in large soup pot, saute onions and add flour to make a roux
3. Add chicken stock, water, cornstarch, mashed potatoes and spices, bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out with a large spoon.  Discard skin.  Chop potato into cubes about 1/2 inch in size.
5. Add baked potatoes and half & half to soup and bring back to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Garnish with desired toppings and you are good to go!