Potato Cheese Soup Question

[Stinkerbell]

So, here's a recipe I found online.  I need your opinion.... steps 3 & 4.... do I drain before pureeing?



Ingredients

    * 8 cups peeled and cubed potatoes
    * 2 cups peeled and chopped onions
    * 4 cups chopped celery
    * 2 teaspoons salt
    * 4 cups half-and-half
    * 6 tablespoons butter or margarine
    * 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
    * 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, garnish (optional)

Directions

   1.      Place potatoes, onions, celery and salt in water to cover in a large pot.
   2.      Simmer until tender, about 15 minutes.
   3.      Puree just until chunky in blender or food processor fitted with a metal blade.
   4.      Return to soup pot; add half-and-half, butter and cheese.
   5.      Stirring, simmer until piping hot. (Do not boil.).
   6.      Presentation:
   7.      Garnish with parsley if desired. Good served with cornbread.

[Squid]

Good question.  If you drain the water, what makes it soup?  Four cups of cream just ain't gonna do it.  I don't think you drain.  Am I wrong?  Also, if you're keeping the water, I might substitute some broth or stock for the water. 

[Stinkerbell]

Good question.  If you drain the water, what makes it soup?  Four cups of cream just ain't gonna do it.  I don't think you drain.  Am I wrong?  Also, if you're keeping the water, I might substitute some broth or stock for the water. 

Thanks... this is a Marie Callendar's recipe so I want to stick with water because that's the way the family loves it! 

[Stinkerbell]

Ok, the soup was good, I thought (lets say 3.5/5.0) ... but here's the thing.  My daughter said it was too oniony, my husband said there wasn't enough cheese.  So we added more cheese, then my daughter said it was too cheesy.  It was too runny, so I think I would remove some of the water, but not all, next time.
And it really didn't taste even close to the Marie Callendars recipe.  Like I said, it wasn't bad, just not a YUMMO recipe.  Although, I think it would GREAT in something like a veggie casserole.  I am going to try it with the leftovers.