Betty's Favorite Ham and Potato Soup

Ham and Potato Soup
from allrecipes, with additions

3 1/2 cups peeled, diced potatoes
1/3 cup diced celery
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 cup diced cooked ham
3 1/4 cups water
2 T chicken bouillon
5 T butter
5 T flour
2 cups milk
salt to taste
pepper to taste
(I like to add corn kernels and sometimes green beans to give it a veggie chowder taste.  Also can garnish with shredded cheese or even bacon!)

Bring to a boil potatoes, celery, onion, ham in water, then cook over medium heat until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.  Stir in chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper.

In a separate saucepan, melt better over medium-low heat.  Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute.  Slowly stir in milk without creating lumps, until all milk has been added.  Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot and cook soup until heated through.  Serve immediately.

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