Puree of Potato Soup with Bacon and Chives - Recipe provided by The Compleat Cook

1/4 cup butter
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 1/2 cups chicken stock or beef stock
2 1/2 cups milk
1 cup good Irish beer (not Guinness)
1 cup light cream
6-8  slices bacon, chopped & crisply fried
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 - 2 tbsp Chives, chopped

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and fry the onion until soft, but not brown

2. Add the Beer and bring to a boil

3. Add the potatoes, stock and milk then season with salt and pepper

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 40 - 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the potatoes from sticking

5. Puree the soup in a blender or food processor until smooth.  Return the soup to the pan and adjust the seasoning as needed

6. Stir in the cream and bacon and bring back to a boil

7. Serve in Soup bowls garnished with the chopped chives