Slow Cooked Potato Soup

Found this recipe in a Taste of Home magazine. I haven't tried it yet--putting it here for safekeeping.

• Ready In: 5 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 5 1⁄2 cups  peeled potatoes, divided
• 2 3⁄4 cups water
• 1⁄3 cup butter, cubed
• 1 1⁄3 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2  celery ribs, chopped
• 2⁄3 cup  chopped onion
• 3⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3⁄4 teaspoon paprika
• 1⁄8 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄2 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 2⁄3 cup sour cream
•  milk (optional)

Directions

1. Place 4-1/2 cups of the potatoes in a saucepan add water. Bring to a boil reduce heat cover and cook 15-20 min or until tender. Remove from heat; do not drain. Mash potatoes stir in butter.
2. In a 3 quart slow cooker combine the ham, celery, onion, garlic powder, paprika, pepper and remaining cubed potatoes. Stir in the mashed potatoes top with cheese. Cover and cook 5-6 hours or until potatoes are tender. Stir in the sour cream until blended. Thin soup with milk if desired.