CREAMY POTATO AND HAM SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• Peel and chunk potatoes.
• Boil in salted water until almost done (fork can pierce but not break potato chunk).
• Chop onion, cube ham and add to potato water during last 5 minutes of boiling time.
• While potatoes are cooking, in small saucepan melt butter.
• Stir in flour, stirring constantly.
• Slowly add the half and half.
• Stir to remove lumps till smooth and starting to thicken.
• Slowly add 2 cups milk; stirring constantly to prevent lumps and scorching.
• Add 1/2 of the Velveeta Cheese.
• Stir to melt cheese.
• Add remaining milk.
• Season to taste.
• Drain water from potato& onions reserving approximately 1/2 of the water.
• Place drained ham, potatoes& onions in large stock pot.
• Add milk mixture, remaining cheese and stir over low heat till cheese is melted.
• Garnish w/choice of chopped green onions, bacon crumbles and grated cheddar cheese.

Steps:

• Boil ham bone in 4 cups of water in large COVERED stock pot for approx 1 hour. (If omitting this step use 4 chicken bouillon or 4 cups chicken broth instead).
• Remove ham bone and strain stock to remove any debris.
• Boil the 2 med potatoes halved in stock until softened, remove to separate bowl.
• Combine 2 1/4 cups diced potatoes, 1 med onion, DICED HAM, and 3 minced garlic cloves and add to stock. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook until potatoes are tender.
• Mash 2 halved potatoes with small amount of milk and add to stock (helps to thicken).
• In separate pan, melt butter. Add in flour a tablespoon at a time to make a roux or paste. Add milk and blend well to make a cream sauce.
• Simmer cream sauce for 2 minutes. Add cheese and blend well. Mixture will be very gooey.
• Add cheese blend to soup and gently mix to combine.