Fry bacon in a skillet until crisp. Place on a paper towel lined plate and set aside. Crumble when cool. Save bacon drippings
Cook cubed potatoes and chopped onion in enough water to just cover the vegetables 20 to 25 minutes or until fork tender
Add 3 1/2 cups half and half, bacon drippings from bacon fried earlier and butter.
Take an immersion blender or hand potato masher and mash vegetables, but leave a few chunks.
In a small bowl or 1-cup measuring cup, mix the cornstarch with 1/2 cup half and half until smooth and add to the soup.
Stir well and let come to a gentle boil.
Add salt and pepper to taste
Add crumbled bacon
Enjoy!