creamy ham and potato soup.

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Creamy Ham and Potato Soup from Erin:

3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes (2 potatoes)

1/3 cup diced celery (2-3 stalks)

1/3 cup finely chopped onion 

1/2 cup carrot, diced (optional)

1 cup diced cooked ham (buy a ham steak in the deli section)

3 1/4 cups chicken broth

1/2 tsp salt. or to taste

1 tsp ground white or black pepper, or to taste

5 Tbsp butter

5 Tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

Note: can add a can of corn too.

Directions:

1. Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, carrot, ham and chicken broth in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the salt and pepper.

2. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk so that lumps don't form and until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes.

3. Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through.

4. Top with cheddar cheese, chives and bacon if desired. Serve immediately.

5. Makes 6 servings.