Are you feeling lucky today?
I’m feeling pretty lucky but it has more to do with deliciousness than leprechauns and clovers. I have to say that I’ve never really gotten the whole St. Patrick’s day thing but it is fun to have a theme to go with.
So what exactly makes this soup Irish? Um, actually I don’t know. I mean, it’s got potatoes so doesn’t that automatically make it count. Hmmm, that sounds kind of discriminating. I bet the Irish get annoyed by everyone thinking they live on potatoes. You know that I used to live in Idaho right? I can’t tell you how many people asked me if we ate a lot of potatoes. It’s very annoying, let me tell you.
It is almost shamrock day though, and I don’t want you to feel like I’m a party pooper so we’re sticking with the name. Even though it is basically just a really good loaded potato soup.
On a sidenote: I’ve never been much for self-celebration so it kind of snuck up on me and I didn’t plan any kind of special recipe, but today happens to be my first blogiversery. I cannot believe it’s been a year!
My blog isn’t what I’d like it to be at this moment but I have learned so much this year and if I look at it as a year in training I can have no regrets. Who knew that photography could be so complicated and writer’s block so real? I was looking at some of my earliest posts and they are so embarrassing. I keep threatening to just start over but my family won’t let me. I guess it gives more credibility to blog when you can watch the author grow and improve from point a to point b, but so many of my first pictures are downright terrible! (slipping down off of chair and hiding under table as we speak)
I wouldn’t have even mentioned it but I just had to thank you all for your readership and support! That’s what keeps this whole thing going and my blog wouldn’t be possible without it. So really, thank you guys so much! I’m looking so forward to this entire second year on Gringalicious and I hope you are too! I have some big things planned and I will probably be doing some facelifts eventually (I hope). The blog really needs it.
I’ve also started having some of my first negative commenters, not fun, but I guess that’s part of the deal. I’m already not much of a people person anyway and having someone write rude and/or hurtful things can really knock you down. Luckily I’ve never had anything really bad but, you know, haters gonna hate. What can you do but try to be a light and turn the other cheek because people who have nothing better to do than to spend time criticizing and bullying must really have a sad life. It makes me appreciate all of you guys that much more!
I feel like I’m finally getting the hang of some things and getting faster too. I have been spending way to long on pictures recently but that’s beside the point. And speaking of the point….
This is one of my new go-tos for dinner. In fact, it was such a hit the first time that I went through the effort of remaking it and taking a second set of pictures because remember how I said my SD card died? Well I lost the first set.
I love how easy it is, well compared to most of the meals that I make. You see, I do so much from scratch, like everything. When I make soups like this I always start by making the stock, which adds an hour, and then there are no short-cuts here as far as ingredients. Every veggie is fresh and needs to be washed and peeled and chopped and what not. Add to these things the fact that I do the cooking for 12 people now and you’ll understand why I enjoy making things in one pot.
Anyway, this soup is simple, easy, and a winner every time and I really hope you make it and enjoy it.
Ingredients
- 5 large (or 10 small) red skin potatoes (peeled if desired), cut into cubes
- 1 liter chicken stock
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 pieces uncooked bacon
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill
- 1/2 cup greek yogurt
- 1 cup (about 4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
- salt and black pepper to taste
- chopped green onions and extra cheese for topping
Instructions
- Combine potatoes and broth in a large pot over high heat. Cover loosely with lid lifted slightly to allow steam to escape and bring to a boil.
- Meanwhile, cook bacon until crispy. Remove to paper towel lined plate and save for topping. Add onion and garlic to pan and saute until browned. Add to pot along with dill, salt, and plenty of black pepper.
- Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender, about 45 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in greek yogurt and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth then turn off heat.
- Serve hot topped with crumbled bacon, cheese, and green onions.
Happy Blog-versary! I’m so glad you decided to say something, it’s a huge accomplishment and you should celebrate! Mean commenters are the worst – I had a girl write the meanest comment under a frosting recipe. Who knew frosting could get you so angry?! Another guy said my recipe was so common, why would I even bother. At the time they upset me, but now I find them funny. Anyway, soup looks amazing (pinned) and congrats!
That’s such a lame thing to say! That guy should have realized that if it’s common then that means it’s a good one and needs to be shared as many times as possible. Besides, I’m sure you put your own spin on it.
Thank you so much, Jessica!
This soup looks fantastic, just what I’ve been needing while I’m waiting eagerly for warmer weather to arrive! Happy first blogiversary! I actually thought you’d been doing this much longer – your photos are always so gorgeous and your recipes are downright mouthwatering 🙂
That is so encouraging! Thank you so much!
This looks SO easy! I am totally going to make this one! Yum!!
Oh, Happy Blogiversary! It’s an amazing Blog! And even your early pictures are better than many I’ve seen! It’s my favorite thing to read with my morning coffee!! And your make it fun with your humor and personality! I look forward to your second year!!
Thanks, that makes me so happy to hear!
This looks hearty and delicious! So festive 🙂
Totally! Thanks, Medha!
I’m so glad I ran into your mom the last time you were up in Idaho, and that she told me about your blog. You are a delightful writer and a gifted photographer, and my kids and I enjoy it every day. We have made many of the recipes. The cheesy polenta tamale is a dinner favorite! Keep it up.
Wow, I remember her telling me about you and your family and I’m so surprised that you have followed the blog! Thank you so much for your support!
Happy 1 year blog-iversary. You should feel really proud that you have stuck with your blog and continued to grow. I started my blog a couple of months ago. . .so not been around quite as long as you have. . . but i totally get the feelings of looking back and being embarrassed by older posts (I look back 2 posts ago and am embarrassed). But it’s all part of the growing process. It has been really helpful for me to look back at where my favorite bloggers started because I realize that I’m not doing so bad after all and it gets me excited as to where I could potentially go in the future as I build my skills. BTW. . . I’m still baffled by people stopping by to make negative comments. If they don’t like what you are doing. . .why stop by the blog in the first place? Anyhow, I think you are doing a nice job.
Thank you so much, Lynn!