Pepper Jack Potato Soup

2 c water
1 c onions, finely chopped
1 c potatoes, diced into chunks
1/2 t sugar
3/4 c butter
3/4 c flour
1 pt cream
1 pt milk
1 1/2 t salt
pepper to taste
bacon, chopped, to taste
1 sm pkg pepper jack cheese (optional), cubed

Traditional:
In large saucepan, cook bacon to desired crispness. Remove bacon to napkin covered plate to drain grease. Add water to bacon fat and stir. Add potatoes and onions, cook until done (about 15 minutes). Add the remaining ingredients, except 1/2 cup milk, cheese, and the flour. Cook and stir until bubbly. In the meantime, mix remaining milk and flour. Pour into saucepan and stir. Add optional cheese cubes. Stir until melted.

Crock Pot:
In a large saudepan, cook bacon to desired crispness. Remove bacon to napkin covered plate to drain grease. Add water to bacon fat and stir. Add potatoes and onions, cook until done (about 15 minutes). Put remaining ingredients into crock pot and turn on low. Add bacon and potato mixture. Cover and simmer for at least 6 hours (8 is better). Just before serving, add optional cheese cubes. Stir until melted.