Ham and Vegetable Chowder

There is nothing like a warm cup of soup on a cold Spring day. It is March, it is Spring Break, it is Easter Weekend--it is cold! The grandkids don't seem to mind the cold but they were happy to eat a warm cup of soup at the end of the day! This delicious soup was a hit. Everyone loved it from the 2 year old to grandpa.

Ham and Vegetable Chowder
1 1/2 cups diced ham--leftover Easter Ham works great
6 tablespoons butter
1 onion, diced (1 1/2 cups)
2 diced peeled carrots (3/4 cup)
2 stalks diced celery (3/4 cup)
2 cans chicken broth
5 Yukon Gold potatoes (1 3/4 lb.), peeled and diced
3/4 teaspoon oregano
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper
1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen)
3/8 tablespoons flour
3 cups milk (heat in microwave till hot)
1/2 cup cream
1/8-1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar/jack cheese
green onion, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese for garnish
In a large pot melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add carrot, onion and celery. Saute till tender, about 4 minutes. Add chicken broth, potatoes, oregano, bay leaf. Salt and pepper to taste. Bring to boil, reduce heat to a simmer. Cover pan and simmer gently until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes, stir occasionally. Reduce heat to warm, add ham and corn.
In a medium saucepan melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook mixture for 2 minutes--stir constantly. Stirring constantly add hot milk, stir until mixture is thick.
Remove from heat, add salt and pepper to taste. Add cream, grated cheese and Cayenne Pepper.
Pour milk mixture into soup. Stir gently. Correct seasonings if necessary.
Garnish with bacon, green onions and cheese.
This yummy recipe feeds a crowd. Recipe inspired by Cooking Classy.
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