#772 - Ham and Potato Soup

(by Shirley McNevich)

3 red potatoes (washed, peeled and cubed)
2 cups water
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup chopped onion
3 TBSP butter
3 TBSP flour
pepper to taste (fresh ground if you have it)
3 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cubed ham (cooked)

In a pot add water and salt--bring to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook on medium until the potatoes are tender. Drain off the water but keep 1 cup of the potato water--set aside. In a saucepan add the butter--melt. Add chopped onion and cook until tender. Add the flour to the onions--stir. Add pepper to your taste, then cook and stir. Add the potatoes and the 1 cup of potato water--stir. Add milk, shredded cheddar cheese and ham--stir. Turn heat to low --cook and stir for 20 minutes, then turn heat to medium and make it hot enough for serving.