Irish potato leek soup (from ABC's Hit cooking show The Chew)

dear readers, i made my mother this filling potato leek soup recipe from the chew, its cilnton kelly's own recipe so my mother ate 3 cups of it and she loved it so i hope you all at home make a batch soon! love my fans!

Irish Potato leek soup
recipe courtesy Cilnton kelly

        
4 Yukon Gold Potatoes (peeled and cubed)                                    
2 Leeks (washed and sliced)
1 Onion (diced)
2 stalks Celery (chopped)
1 clove Garlic (minced)
2 cups Milk
4 cups Chicken Stock
1/2 cup Half and Half
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Bay Leaf
Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper
2 tablepsoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)

• For the Croutons:
• 4 slices Country Bread (toasted golden brown)
• 4 thin slices Irish Cheddar Cheese

• To Serve:
• 1 cup Bacon (fried crisp and chopped into small pieces)

method
 In a large stock pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, leeks, celery, and garlic, and cook until all have softened and become fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the stock, milk, bay leaf, and potatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a  simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes. Stir in the parsley and half and half. Allow to cool slightly. In batches, puree in a blender.
 To make croutons, preheat broiler and place cheese slices on toasted bread. Broil until cheese is melted and browned in spots, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Serve soup with Irish Cheddar Croutons and sprinkled with bacon.