Country Ham Chowder

This is a hearty chowder that my family loves. It's easy to put together and can be doubled or tippled with no problem. This is great on a cold day.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  medium potatoes, cut into 1/2 - inch cubes
• 3  tablespoons butter or 3  tablespoons margarine
• 3⁄4 cup  finely chopped onion
• 1⁄4 cup  finely chopped carrot
• 1⁄4 cup  finely chopped celery
• 3  tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1⁄2-3  cups milk
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  salt and pepper (optional)
• 2  teaspoons dijon-style mustard (I usually leave this out ) (optional)
• 1  cup  finely chopped ham (i add extra ham )
• 1 1⁄2 cups  grated sharp cheddar cheese (you can use medium cheddar instead)

Directions

1. Simmer potatoes in 3/4 cup of water in a covered saucepan for about 10 minutes or until tender. Teserve any liquid for soup.
2. Melt butter in a large saucepan. Sauté onion carrot and celery until golden and soft. Do not brown.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring well.
4. Add milk potatoes with liquid, pepper salt and mustard if used. bring to a simmer.
5. Add ham and cheese. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
6. Serve hot or keep warm over very low heat with lid until ready to serve.