Gourmet Vegetable Chowder - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 clove garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 c. fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/2 stick butter
4 Tbsp. flour
2 c. half and half or 1 c. whipping cream and 1 c. milk
1 can chicken broth
1 lb. extra sharp Cheddar cheese, finely grated
2 c. broccoli flowerets (or whole broccoli, cook until tender and drain)
6 oz. cooked ham, cut into long, thin strips by hand
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
3/4 c. cooked whole kernel corn
1 c. cooked, sliced carrots

Preparation

In a large saucepan, saute garlic, onion and mushrooms in butter over low heat, stirring occasionally until onions are soft. Add flour and blend over low heat for 1 minute.
Slowly stir in chicken broth and half and half, stirring until thickened and smooth.
Simmer 2 minutes, then add grated Cheddar, blending until cheese is melted.
Add ham, Worcestershire sauce, broccoli and other vegetables.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Heat over moderately low heat until hot.
Do not boil.