Asparagus Bacon Chowder

Part of having a survival mindset is figuring out how to use what you have on-hand at right that moment.
Here in Iowa we've been experiencing some weird weather.  Hot when it's supposed to be cold, cold when it's supposed to be hot.  This past week we had a cold snap of 40ºF during the day...brrrrrr  I was in the mood for some nice warm soup and I didn't want to make a trip into the grocery store.  After scrounging through my pantry, this is the result.

Asparagus Bacon Chowder

1# Fresh Asparagus (out of our garden that day)
6-8 cups Water (enough to cover asparagus & rehydrated potatoes)
1 TBSP. Chicken base paste
6 green onions (again, out of the garden) could use dehydrated
1 cup Potato dices-dehydrated
1 tsp. Mrs. Dash-regular

1 can PET evaporated Milk
1 heaping TBSP. Bacon TVP bits-dehydrated

1 cup shredded white cheese. 
Pepper to taste
Salt to taste.  (sample before adding, there is salt in the Chicken base)

In a large sauce pan add the water, chicken base & dehydrated Potato.   Let sit for 10-15 minutes to reconstitute the potatoes.  Meanwhile, cut the asparagus into 2 inch pieces.  Dice up the onions. Add veggies to the saucepan,(may add more water to cover) then bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are done.  Add the spices, bacon, cheese and can of milk.  Gently heat through until the cheese melts.. Do NOT let the soup come back to a boil.  

Serve with a slice of homemade Sourdough bread.....