RECIPE: Ham & Potato Soup

Since it turned colder last night,I was wondering what to make with a ham steak in the freezer and some potatoes in my basket.  I also had leftover garlic mashed potatoes.    Found this ham and potato soup recipe at AllRecipes.com.  The two meat-eating men in our house LOVED it and both got second helpings.   It was quite filling.  Served with a fresh green salad, French bread and strawberries, it was a full meal with some left over for lunch the next day.

INGREDIENTS:

3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes I used 3 potatoes + about 2 cups of leftover garlic mashed potatoes 1/3 cup diced celery 1/3 cup finely chopped onion 3/4 cup diced cooked ham I used one ham steak from Sam's Club 3 1/4 cups water 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules

or to taste
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper 5 tablespoons butter 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups milk

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham and water in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the chicken bouillon, salt and pepper.
2.	In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk as not to allow lumps to form until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes.
3.	Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through. Serve immediately. This soup looks a little bland but tastes great, so dress up the plate with some color. Remember my red lipstick rule.  :)