Baked Potato Soup

Baked Potato Soup
3 lbs. red potatoes
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup flour
2 quarts half−and−half
1 pound block Velveeta cheese, melted
White pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
1 tsp. hot pepper sauce
1/2 lb. bacon, fried crisply
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup fresh chives, chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dice unpeeled red potatoes into 1/2−inch cubes. Place in a large Dutch oven,
cover with water and bring to a boil. Let boil for 10 minutes or until
almost cooked. In a separate large Dutch oven, combine melted margarine and
flour, mixing until smooth. Place over low heat and gradually add
half−and−half, stirring constantly. Continue to stir until smooth and liquid
begins to thicken. Add melted Velveeta. Stir well. Drain potatoes and add to
cream mixture. Stir in pepper, garlic powder and hot pepper sauce. Cover and
cook over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place soup into
individual serving bowls and top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese,
chives and parsley.