Fry the bacon and garlic ... other ingredients to the soup depending on what you have in the fridge. Diced carrots and potatoes work well or swap the greens for green beans that have been cut ...
Combine all your ingredients in a 6 quart slow cooker, stir well. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.
Add the butter to the bacon fat and add the onion, celery and white of the leek. Cook gently for 5 minutes then add the beans and stock. Cook for 10 minutes then blend to a smooth puree.
Potato chunks and bacon bits are few and far between amongst the broth but accounted for. The taste: While an older version of Panera's potato soup was defined by its richness and cream cheese ...