Special Potato Soup

Someone in an earlier thread asked me to post this recipe and I can't remember who. Maybe Herbie. Sometime during the holidays anyhow, but here it is.

This recipe was featured in the 1982 Southern Living recipe collection, but I use it a lot. It's a thick, rich, filling soup. Some homemade bread and maybe a salad are all you need with it.

Special Potato Soup

2 stalks celery, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter, melted
6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 carrots, sliced
3 cups water
5 chicken flavored bouillon cubes
3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspooon dried whole thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
dash of garlic powder
dash of pepper
2 cups milk
1 cup (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese

Saute celery and onion in butter in a large Dutch oven until tender. Add next 9 ingredients; cover and simmer about 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Remove from heat and mash vegetables with potato masher or put through blender or food processor. Add milk and cheese. Cook, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted. Yield: 10 cups.