Grandma’s Cheesy Potato Soup

1. Put the water into a large pot. This will be the base for your broth. Bring water to boil.
2. Chop the onion and place it in the boiling water.
3. Next, cut the Lil’ Smokies into bite-sized pieces and place in the pot.
4. Peel and cut the potatoes into bite-size pieces and place them in the pot.
5. Thinly slice celery and place it in the pot.
6. Cut Velveeta cheese into chunks and set aside.
7. Once potatoes are fork tender, about 5-7 minutes after you put them in, turn heat down to low and place Velveeta into pot.
8. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes until Velveeta melts completely.
9. Turn heat off and serve with crusty bread.

My father grew up on a potato and onion farm in southern MN with 13 brothers and sisters. My grandmother often made a variation of this soup. Every member of my family has their own variation of this soup. Some use shredded cheddar cheese, some use sausage and some add carrots. This is the variation of Grandma’s recipe that my mother made for our family. It was the first recipe I learned how to make as a teenager and the first meal I made for my now husband. It is truly special!