Chunky Ham and Potato Chowder

One of my family's favorite soups! Because we are garlic lovers, I sometimes throw in about 1 heaping tablespoon minced garlic in with the onion, but that is optional of coarse. The ingredients may be doubled or even tripled. This is a wonderful recipe to use up leftover ham, just serve this wonderful chowder with crusty bread. You can use all half and half cream if desired. For an extra cheesy soup, add in 1 cup diced Velveeta cheese towards the end of the cooking and stir until smooth. You will just love this soup, I promise!!

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 7-8

Ingredients

• 1  medium onion, finely chopped (can use leeks also)
• 1  tablespoon  fresh minced garlic (optional)
• 1⁄4 tablespoon butter
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme (can use more if you really like thyme!)
•  salt and pepper
• 6  cups half-and-half cream
• 1⁄2 cup  whipping cream
• 4  tablespoons  grated parmesan cheese
• 4  cups  chopped cooked ham (can use cooked smoked turkey also)
• 2  cups  instant potato flakes
• 4 -5  cups  diced cooked potatoes, cut into about 1/2-inch cubes

Directions

1. Cook the cubed potatoes in boiling water until firm-tender (do not overcook, this should take only about 8-10 minutes or even less) drain; set aside.
2. In a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed sauepan, saute onion or leeks and garlic (if using) until the onion is soft (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add in thyme, salt and pepper; cook for 1 minute to release the thyme flavor.
4. Add in half and half and whipping cream; cook and stir over medium heat until warm (not hot) careful not to scorch.
5. Add in grated Parmesan cheese and cooked cubed ham; cook, stirring for about 7-8 minutes on medium heat, or until the cream is heated to almost hot.
6. Stir potato buds or flakes; cook over medium-low heat, stirring until mixture is thickened, this might take about 8-10 minutes or more, the potato flakes will thicken up after about 8-10 minutes (if necessary add in more whipping cream or half and half to thin to desired consistancy).
7. This is really not neccesary, but I like to mash about 1/4 cup cooked potatoes and add them into the soup, and just stir them inches.
8. Add in cooked diced potatoes or you can even add them in at the table.
9. Spoon into bowls, and sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese if desired or grated cheddar cheese).
10. Delicious!