Potato Soup(6 To 10 Servings)  
["8 strips bacon", "1/2 to 1 c. chopped onion (according to taste)", "2 1/2 lb. potatoes, pared and sliced (about 6 c.)", "1 c. sliced celery", "1/2 c. pared, sliced carrots", "2 tsp. salt, divided", "2 c. milk", "2 c. half and half", "1/4 tsp. freshly ground white pepper", "1/2 lb. (2 c.) shredded sharp Cheddar"]
["Fry bacon in a 4-quart Dutch oven over medium heat.", "Remove bacon from pot when crisp.", "Drain on paper towels.", "Strain out all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat and discard.", "Saute onion in remaining bacon fat until tender and golden, about 10 minutes.", "Add potatoes, celery, carrots, 3 cups water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to pot.", "Cover; cook over high heat until mixture comes to a boil, about 5 minutes.", "Reduce heat to low; simmer for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.", "Drain in colander."]
["bacon", "onion", "potatoes", "celery", "pared", "salt", "milk", "freshly ground white pepper", "Cheddar"]