HEARTY AND DELICOUS SOUP FOR A COLD WINTER EVENING

Do you have a family favorite soup, stew or chowder that you make and especially look forward to fall and winter so you can make it?

I do and it is called Vegetable Chowder.

It is funny when I tell people that it is a vegetable chowder, you should see the looks of doubt and sometimes disgust on their faces...that is until they taste it.  I have never had anyone taste it that didn't like it (well except for a few picky grandchildren).

In a large pot you cook the vegetables in chicken stock.

While the veggies are cooking you melt the butter in a medium to large sauce pan then add the flour to make a roux.

 After the butter and flour have cooked about 5 minutes over medium heat you add 4 cups milk.

You bring this mixture to a boil over med/high heat, stirring constantly until it thickens.

You then pour the milk/butter/flour mixture into the simmering vegetables and bring to a boil.   

 Stir to mix well and put heat to med/low.

You then add cubed ham...

 followed by shredded cheddar cheese.

Stir just until the cheese is melted and serve.  Recipe is posted at the bottom.

 Serve with some nice hot rolls out of the oven and you have a meal that will comfort you for hours.

VEGETABLE CHOWDER

3 CUPS POTATOES, CUBED

2 1/2 CUPS FINELY CHOPPED BROCCOLI

1 CUP CHOPPED ONION

1 CUP CARROTS FINELY CHOPPED OR SHREDDED

2 STALKS CELERY, FINELY CHOPPED

4 CHICKEN BOUILLON CUBES

5 CUPS WATER

3/4 CUP BUTTER

3/4 CUP FLOUR

4 CUPS MILK

1-2 CUPS CUBED HAM

1 CUP SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE

Now here is proof that I don't spend ALL my time on Pinterest.  Although I did make some excellent chocolate chip cookies with a SECRET ingredient that I will be posting soon that I found on Pinterest.