Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 3/4 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups ham, diced
1/2 cup swiss cheese, diced or 1/2 cup swiss cheese, grated
1 1/2 cups chicken, diced (approximately 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts)
1/2 cup onion, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
salt, to taste
white pepper or fresh ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons tarragon (optional)
1/2 teaspoon basil (optional)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons water

Preparation

Saute the chicken cubes in a little oil until they are lightly browned.
In large stock pot place broth, ham, chicken, celery, onion, and bring to boil.
In medium pot place heavy cream and swiss cheese; heat until cheese is melted.
Add cheese mixture to the large pot and add salt and pepper to taste.
Mix cornstarch with water. Add about half of it to the soup to thicken it, then add more until the consistency is what you want.
Bring to a boil; then serve.
Garnish with additional grated Swiss cheese, if desired.