Potato Soup (with Bacon and Cheese) and the side of Blackened Shrimp

INGREDIENTS:

3 potatoes, baked then peeled, cut up (less than $1 - about $1.99 per 5 lb. bag)

about 1 to 1 1/2 cups instant mashed potatoes (about $1.50 per box)

1/4 onion, finely chopped (~$2/bag)

about 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream, to taste (about 1.50/half pint)

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 cups water (4 cups water and chicken bouillon) 

2 packets of chicken bouillon (~1.50/box of 6)

     OR 

4 cups Chicken Stock substitute 

1/4 cup cornstarch

Italian seasoning, to taste

celery salt, to taste

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4 thick slices of bacon, crumbled (ABOUT $2.50-$3)

1 whole stalk of celery, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

salt & pepper, to taste

3 tablespoons EVOO

ABOUT $6 TO CREATE - (KITCHEN'S HAVE MOST OF THE INGREDIENTS)

Step 1:  In a small frying pan, add the olive oil (EVOO) and the chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Fry until golden brown and until pieces are tender.

Step 2:  In a large pot, add the chicken stock OR THE 4 cups of water and the 2 packets of chicken bouillon. Add the chopped onion, garlic and celery pieces and cook until completely softened or dissolved.

Step 3:   Add the flour, cornstarch, potatoes, whipping cream, seasoning, shredded cheese, and bacon crumbles. Cook until it tastes as though thick enough and tasteful enough with desired Seasoning. 

Top with Blackened Cajun-style Shrimp.