Electric roaster ovens are certainly convenient for roasting your Thanksgiving turkey.  Not only do they cook quickly, and retain moisture, but they also free up space in your oven for whipping all your other Thanksgiving recipes.

But, did you know you can use electric roasters for more than just your Thanksgiving bird?  Roasting ovens can actually double as a large slow cooker when you’re cooking for a crowd, or as a big soup pot for making chili or chowder. Some electric roaster ovens come with a divided insert that will allow you to warm and serve 3 separate dishes buffet style.

The Nesco roaster oven above has an 18 quart capacity, which is enough room to cook a 22 pound Thanksgiving turkey.  It has a nonstick finish, and heating elements in the sides of the roaster, for even cooking.  I found the Nesco roaster at More Kitchen Appliances for $89.99.

Whenever I get the chance, I like to go to a local diner for a bowl of their loaded baked potato soup.  Occasionally, I even make my own, which I think comes in pretty close to the diner’s recipe. Some people use flour or cornstarch to thicken their potato soup, but I like to sprinkle in some instant mashed potato flakes for thickening it up when needed.

This is a very rich soup, so….uh make it when you’re not dieting.  Everybody has to splurge once in awhile, right?

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• 2/3 cup butter
• 3/4 cup flour
• 4 cups cubed, baked potatoes, peeled
• 8 cups milk
• 1/2 cup thin sliced green onions
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of sour cream
• Several slices of bacon, cooked, drained, coarsely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven, then little by little stir in flour until smooth.  Gradually add milk and stir over low to medium heat until thickened.  When mixture has thickened, add potatoes and green onions, and continue to cook until soup just reaches a very gentle boil.  Add remaining ingredients and serve hot!

There are a million ways to make this soup.  Here are lots more potato soup recipes.