Country Ham Chowder - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 medium potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 Tbsp. butter
3/4 c. chopped onions
1/4 c. chopped carrots
1/4 c. chopped celery
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 1/2 to 3 c. milk
1/4 tsp. pepper
pinch of salt
2 tsp. Dijon mustard (optional)
1 c. finely chopped ham
1 1/2 c. grated sharp Cheddar cheese
parsley or paprika for garnish

Preparation

Simmer potatoes and carrots in 3/4 cup water, covered, about 10 minutes or until tender.
Reserve any liquid for soup.
Melt butter in large saucepan.
Saute onions and celery until golden brown and soft.
Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring well.
Add milk, potatoes with liquid, pepper, salt and mustard.
Bring to a slow simmer.
Add ham and cheese.
Cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
Serve hot.