CHEESY POTATO AND HAM CHOWDER

Cheesy Potato and Ham Chowder image

Provided by Susan Bickta

Time 2h5m

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 stalk(s) celery, thinly sliced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1/3 c all purpose flour
1/2 c whole milk
1 qt whole milk
1 qt half and half
4 envelopes ham flavoring concentrate (from a 1.41 ounce box)
4 large russett potatoes, baked, peeled and roughly smashed
1/2 lb cooked ham, cubed (bite size pieces)
1 c cheddar cheese, shredded
4 large eggs, hard cooked and chopped
2 tsp dried parsley flakes

Steps:

1. Place a 5 quart Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the butter, oil, onion, celery, salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until vegetables just start to soften.
2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the flour and the 1/2 cup of milk. Mix well to break up any lumps. Set aside.
3. Add the remaining milk and half & half to the Dutch oven. Mix well and heat thru, stirring often. Add the flour mixture and cook over medium high heat until thickened, stirring often to avoid sticking and burning.
4. Add the ham flavoring, potatoes, ham, cheese, eggs and parsley flakes. Mix well.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook an additional 6-7 minutes, stirring often, to heat through.
6. Serve garnished with shredded cheese and/or dried parsley flakes.