Potato, Bacon and Gruyere Soup

 The following chunky potato soup was inspired by a smooth version that one of our food editors enjoyed at The Bernerhof Inn in Glen, New Hampshire

Ingredients:

4 slices bacon, chopped

3 medium onions, chopped fine

3 cups chicken broth

3 1/4 cups water

3 pounds boiling poratoes (preferably yellow-fleshed)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 pound Gruyere cheese, grated (about 2 1/2 cups)

1 Tablespoon Madeira or Sherry

1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce

3 Tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves.

Directions:

In a heavy kettle cook bacon over moderate heat, stirring, until crisp. Remove bacon and spoon all but 1 tablespoon fat. Add onions and saute over mmoderately high heat, stirring, until pale golden. Add broth andd 3 cups of water and bring to a boil.

Peel potatoes and cut into 3/4 inch cubes. Add potatoes to soup and simmer, covered, about 10 minutes.

In a small bowl whisk together flour and remaining 1/4 cup of water until smooth and add to the simmering soup, whisking. Simmer soup, covered, 5 minutes.

In a blender puree Gruyere with 3 cups of hot soup broth. Stir puree into soup with Madeira, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste.