The morning dawns at 34 degrees with a biting northwest wind. The day promises to be one of paper sun and chill. Here is an antidote to the cold that is simple, delicious, and energizing. The backdrop to this soup extravaganza was Carlos Santana belting out "Persuasion" and "Fried Neckbones and Home Fries". Hey, Rock and Roll soup. Like Santana this soup has rhythm. In fact, it kicks butt.

Ingredients:

Directions:

Bring the chicken stock to a boil then simmer. Add the sprigs of fresh thyme. Wash, peel, and rough chop the potatoes. Boil the potatoes in salted water until soft. Caramelize (slow sauté) the onions (chopped) in the butter with salt and pepper. Add the onions and butter to the stock. Rinse the potatoes in cold water and add them to the stock. Slow simmer for two hours.

Add the tawny port, then the cream. Using a hand mixer (I call mine the "boat motor") blend the ingredients and simmer for another thirty minutes. Do NOT let the soup boil after the cream has been added! Add the cheddar cheese and blend once again.

Serve with crispy bacon and parsley as garnish. Yum!

Recommended beverage: 20-year-old Tawny Port if you can find and afford it. The taste and sweetness of good port really compliments the soup.

Hint: Serve with Green Garlic Toasted.