cajun potato soup

Ingredients

• 6 slices thin bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 - carrots, scrubbed clean and diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 6 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 teaspoon cajun spice mix (below), more if desired
• - salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, minced
• 1 cup grated cheddar
• CAJUN SPICE MIX
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup cayenne
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 1/4 cup garlic powder
• 1/4 cup ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced onion
• 2 tablespoons oregano, dry
• 2 tablespoons thyme, dry