Spring is a great season for soup

Granted, I think that EVERY season throughout the year is a great season for soup... but I am taking this week's chilly weather as a great excuse to make something warm and hearty.

And "warm" and "hearty" really are a great description for this soup, which is easily one of my favourites. It's got all of the creaminess that you want a good potato soup to have, with tons of flavour from the bacon and just a hint of coconut from the coconut milk. The green onions are even better if you fry them in coconut oil for just a few minutes until they get nice and crispy (trust me, that is sort of a game changer for this recipe).

This soup is fabulous the day that you make it, but even better the next day. I was at the farmer's market today and picked up a pound and a half of the best thick-cut bacon you can get anywhere (seriously, go to Jepson's Meats in the Hamilton Farmer's Market!) and all of the required potatoes and other veggies from Farmacy (also in the market). Deliciousness is happening this week! Many recipes to try. Much yumminess to create.

Stay warm, my friends... it's not spring yet! Better make this soup to warm yourself up.

Creamy Potato-Bacon Soup:

· 2 cups water

· 4 or 5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut up

· ½ pound bacon (get the best quality bacon you can find, it really makes a difference in this dish!)

· ¼ cup water

· 1 can coconut milk

· ¾ tsp. salt

· ¼ tsp. white pepper

· 2 green onions, thinly sliced

1) Cook the bacon until crispy. Dice up small, and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate until needed

2) Heat the water to boiling in 3-quart saucepan. Add the potatoes, cover and heat to boiling. Once it has reached boiling point, reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender

3) Drain the liquid into a blender. Remove 3 cups cooked vegetables from the saucepan and place in the blender with the liquid. Add ¼ cup water, cover and blend about 1 minute or until smooth

4) Stir the pureed vegetables back into the saucepan. Stir in the bacon and any remaining ingredients and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot