Potato Soup

This is something I modified from a crock pot recipe.  Last year sometime I had this soup going in my crock pot when it decided to quit working.  I dumped it in a soup pot and realized how quick this was on the stove top.  This is my go-to soup.  I really don't measure.  

In my soup pot (I think it's 8 qt) I add 7-8 pounds of potatoes peeled and diced.  Sprinkle with parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.  Add 1 box of TJ's chicken broth or 3 heaping teaspoons of chicken bouillon (depending on what I have) then fill the pot with enough water to cover the potatoes.  Bring to a boil then simmer until the potatoes are cooked (about 20 min.).  Here's where I cheat.  I thicken the soup with a bit of instant mashed potatoes.  Since the soup is already hot, I just pour in somewhere between 1/2c. and 1c. from the box.  Add a can of condensed milk to make it creamy.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Serve with bacon and shredded cheese.  YUM!  

***As a rule at our house, things are seasoned pretty mild.  With kids, I know they can be picky.  And if it's 'spicy' they're quicker to complain.  I can always add spice to my bowl but I can't take it out of theirs.