Thick Potato 'n Ham Soup

Seriously,... I wonder how many times 

in a row I could eat this before I'd say, 

"No, I think I'll have something else!"

But, when you see the ingredients 

(especially the butter, whole milk and 

the heavy cream), you might say,

"Take it easy on the soup!"

Serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 med. potatoes, peeled and cubed to the size you like.
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 3 cups cooked ham, cubed or diced
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• 10 tablespoons butter
• 10 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups whole milk (or half 'n half)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded or thinly sliced (to be used as a topping)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cook potatoes in generously salted water until tender.  Drain well and set aside.
2. In a separate and rather large saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat, watching it carefully.  
3. Add celery, onion, salt and pepper to the melted butter. 
4. Whisk in flour, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes or until the celery and onions are tender and the flour has cooked slightly.
5. Slowly whisk in the milk (or optional half 'n half).  Continue whisking until mixture begins to thicken.
6. Add heavy cream and continue stirring until soup is very creamy.
7. Add diced/cubed ham and cubed potatoes and stir until blended.
8. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve in cup or bowl and top with cheese.

This soup might be is "rich", 

but, ...I say it is SO worth it!

(I could see where a very small 

amount of thin slices of carrot 

would add a tiny dash of color.)