Southern potatoes

• 4 pounds red potatoes
• 6 bacon slices
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 16 oz. sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup milk (I use half-n-half)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic (optional)

Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings in skillet. Add chopped green onions to skillet and cook for 1 minute or until tender. Crumble bacon and return to skillet. Set mixture aside.

Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch pieces (you can peel the potatoes, but I leave the skins on for an extra kick of vitamins). Place potatoes in boiling, salted water in a Dutch oven to cover and cook 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain and return to Dutch oven.

Add bacon/onion mixture to potatoes as well as sour cream, 1 cup of cheese, butter, milk (I use half-n-half), salt and pepper (and garlic, if desired). Combine all ingredients with a potato masher until blended. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 13" x 9" baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until cheese melts.

Source: From Susannah Koontz Webb