Panera's Cream Cheese Potato Soup

4 cups chicken broth

4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes

1/4 cup minced onion

½ cup sliced carrots

½ cup chopped celery

1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

1 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, cut into chunks

Directions

Combine broth, potatoes, onion, and spices.

Boil on medium heat until potatoes are tender.

Smash a few of the potatoes to release their starch for thickening.

OR – put half the potatoes, some broth and cream cheese in blender.  Cool for a minute then puree and add back to pan. 

Reduce to low heat.

Add cream cheese.

Heat, stirring frequently, until cheese melts.