Loaded Baked Potato Chowder

This recipe is awesome!  When The Pampered Chef came out with this soup it was quickly added to our monthly menu (sometimes twice a month!).  It's perfect for cold weather and super easy to make in the microwave, yes, I said the microwave!!  You've got to try it!   Here's a quick video so you can check it out!

Ingredients:

3 baking potatoes

3 1/2 cups milk

4 oz cream cheese, softened

2 tbsp butter

2-3 green onions with tops

4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

Optional toppings such as chopped cooked bacon, sour cream or steamed broccoli florets

Slice potatoes in half lengthwise with Santoku Knife; place in Deep Covered Baker. Pour 1/2 cup of the milk over potatoes. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 11 minutes. Remove baker from microwave. Move center potatoes to ends of baker and outer potatoes to center. Cover; microwave on HIGH 8-11 minutes or until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Remove baker from microwave. Coarsely mash potatoes with Mix ‘N Chop.

Meanwhile, whisk cream cheese until smooth in Classic Batter Bowl. Slowly add remaining 3 cups milk, whisking until smooth. Add cream cheese mixture and butter to baker. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 3-5 minutes or until mixture is hot. Slice green onions with Chef's Knife.

Carefully remove baker from microwave. Grate cheddar cheese over chowder using Rotary Grater; add green onions, salt and black pepper and mix using Small Mix ‘N Scraper®; until cheese is melted. Serve with toppings, if desired.