What does winter weather make you think of? Sitting cozy by the glow of a crackling fire? Sweaters, boots, and fuzzy socks? Playing in the snow? After you’ve finished your winter escapades and have gone to bed, you’ll probably awaken reluctant to forsake the comfort of your covers because winter lurks. The same winter that charmed you with its memories of hot chocolate and snowball fights is now waiting for you to stick your little ‘toesies’ out from under the blanket so that it can wrap you in its icy embrace. That’s right, winter is coming. All that miserable shivering will leave you desperate for warmth and ravenous.

Why not warm up with Ham and potato soup?

I don’t know about most people, but I need a hearty meal to conquer my demons of winter. I crave something that warms the belly and soothes the soul. I’m also a very busy warrior and might not have energy to slave over a soup pot when I get done with my to-do list.

I’ve chosen this slow cooker ham and potato soup specifically for this reason. It’s simple and delicious. It cooks in a slow cooker while I pretend to be a responsible adult and it’s everything I want in a potato soup without much fuss.

This is adapted from “Worthy of the prize,” who supposedly adapted this from Paula Deen, This recipe is perfect for busy potato soup lovers everywhere. With the time you save fixing this slow cooker classic, you could be warming your toes, teaching yourself a new language, working diligently, ignoring your loved ones with your phone, or procrastinating that project. We won’t judge how you manage your time. The Pacific Tribune is a great place to browse while procrastinating.

I usually use an 8 oz package of pre-diced ham because I’m lazy. Pictured above is ham I had to dice.

• 1 (30 oz.) bag frozen southern style or squared hash-brown potatoes
• 1 (10.75 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
• 28 oz of chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp onion powder*
• 1/3 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 (8oz) package cream cheese
• 8 ounces of diced ham
• Top with cheese and bacon bits

1. Place the whole bag of hash browns, cream of chicken, chicken broth, onion powder, ham and black pepper in 6 qt slow cooker. Cook on low for 5 hours.
2. At the 4.5 hour mark, or 30 minutes before serving, cut up cream cheese and place in slow cooker.
3. Stir before serving

Garnish with cheese and bacon bits.

*Orginal recipe calls for 1 onion.

If you discover a good substitution, adaptation, or addition please comment with it below.

Besides this soup, what are your favorite things about winter?

Adapted from: Worthy of the Prize

Krissie Schmidt

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Krissie Schmidt is a dreamer of dreams, freelance writer, and mother of three. When she's not busy saving the world from the monsters in closets or washing sippy cups, Krissie can be found questioning her choice of preset workouts while on her elliptical, cooking delicious southern fare, and unintentionally creating crafting fails. Krissie is passionate about writing and aspires to be a successful novelist.

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