Skinny Loaded Potato Soup

It got cold again today! [yea... thanks Captain Obvious] I went to work to finish off the week and the boyfriend went to play a golf tournament. Since I had a half day at work I thought it would be a nice surprise for Matt to come home to a hot comforty soup after being outside in this gloom all morning. I have made faux mashed potatoes many times and LOVED it so why not a hearty loaded soup, minus the crazy restaurant calories. This past week of getting bikini ready was intense. I have been really kicking it up a notch in the gym. I have been doing boot camp, strength training, runing and yoga. I am just yearning for my yoga class on Sunday, I need to stretch! And to breathe. And to recharge. I love it though, I love getting crazy at the gym and then having that sore, "can't sit down or move" feeling. I feel like it's so motivating to feel that feeling cus you are constantly reminded to make healthy food choices. -leg cramp-"PUT DOWN THAT COOKIE!" *single tear*      ......Don't forget to follow me on twitter and Instagram @tinytaster407 and Facebook http://Facebook.com/tinytaster......

Not to worry, I am just being this super strict for the next month, then I will go back to my normal healthy, balanced lifestyle. I could never go through life without some little indulgences here and there ;) Let me tell you though, this soup tastes like an indulgence. I almost have to keep reminding myself it's mostly cauliflower cus it tastes like full on potato soup. With all the full fat trimmings. REMINDER: ITS NOT FULL FAT. MUST REMEMBER. ITS GOOD FOR YOU. I PROMISE! STOP FORGETTING! 

Matt got home to some "amazing smells". He chowed down on this baby like nobody's business! He might kill me for posting this picture lol. I didn't tell him it was healthy at all, I wanted to see his reaction. He said it was so thick, creamy and hearty and loved it! He didn't even complain about the turkey bacon! (the man loves his regular bacon like whoa). When I told him the soup was mostly cauliflower and not potato, he couldn't believe it! He said the same thing I did, you can't even taste or smell or anything cauliflower! Seriously, I can't wait till I have kids so I can fool them like this... I love it :P

There's one more tournament day left for Matt tomorrow morning, I'm heading out with him to check it out. I love watching him play, its kinda hot. Like my soup. Cheesy, bacony, creamy, souuuup. Are you ready for this? Have you forgotten already that its good for you? I promise you will when you taste it. Stop feeling guilty you ninnymuggins!  jk love you :)

Servings: 4-5
Time: 1.5 hour

Ingredients:

• 1 organic head of cauliflower, chopped into large florets
• 2 russet potatoes, peeled, cubed
• 2.5 cups water
• 2.5 cups broth (I used Better than Bouillon and pre-made it in a separate small sauce pan)
• 1/4 cup low fat milk
• 1/2 tbsp butter (I used Brummel and Brown made with yogurt)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 4 slices turkey bacon, uncooked chopped
• 1/4 cup less fat shredded cheddar
• Salt & Pepper 
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• For topping: shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, cooked crispy and chopped turkey bacon and plain greek yogurt. 

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a cookie sheet, add potatoes, some olive oil, salt and pepper and toss. Place potatoes in the oven for about 25 minutes, take out and set aside. 
• In medium sauce pan bring 2.5 cups water and 1.5 of the broth to a boil and add cauliflower. Boil for about 10 minutes until tender. 
• In a small frying pan, add butter and set to medium heat. Add garlic and allow to saute for a few minutes (about 5), be careful not to burn the garlic! 
• In a blender add the cauliflower, milk, parmesan, garlic, salt and pepper and 1 cup of broth from the pot you just cooked the cauli in. Blend until creamy smooth! Set aside. 
• In a large soup pot drizzle in some olive oil and add your onion (medium/high heat). Saute onions until they are translucent, about 8 minutes. 
• Add 1 cup broth, cauliflower, potatoes, salt and pepper and uncooked bacon. 
• Allow to come to a very slow boil and then set the heat to low. Now you may add the 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese! If you have any leftover broth, add it now. 
• Allow the soup to low simmer for about 45mins-1 hour. I did it for 45 minutes and I loved the chunks of potatoes, but if you like a more pureed soup then allow for the extra time. You can also puree the potatoes when they come out of the oven if you'd like! 
• Top your soup with some cheese, green onions, chopped crispy turkey bacon and if you'd like, a little greek yogurt. 

Stay tuned for some more skinny minny recipes!

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xoxo
Tiny Taster