SMOKED HAM N CHEESE POTATO SOUP

Smoked Ham n Cheese Potato Soup image

Provided by Diane Atherton

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 9

5 to 6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced or cubed
1/2 medium onion, chopped (can use dried onion flakes)
1 stalk(s) celery, sliced
chicken broth or stock (enough to cover potatoes)
1 to 1 1/2 c ham, cubed (i used leftover ham that we had smoked)
1 1/2 c cheddar cheese, shredded (i used sharp)
1 c heavy cream
2 Tbsp all purpose flour for thickening
salt and pepper to taste (may need to add salt only after tasting, ham and cheese are pretty salty)

Steps:

1. Add potatoes, onion and celery to a med/large pot; add just enough stock to cover potatoes.
2. Over a medium heat; cook until potatoes start to get tender. Add ham and cheese. Reduce heat and continue to simmer.
3. I like to thicken this soup so I make a paste with the flour and cream. Use about 1/4 of cup of the cream to make the paste. Once creamy and no lumps stir in remaining cream; stir this mixture into soup. Continue to cook just until it begins to thicken and potatoes are tender. Don't over cook. Serve with a nice hot buttered crusty roll if desired.