Ham & Potato Soup

What to do with all the leftover ham from our Easter meal?  Make soup! 

I don't normally like any type of potato soup because I think it usually ends up very bland....but I found this recipe & it's really flavorable.  We really enjoyed it...and now I have leftover soup to bring to work. 

{Ham & Potato Soup}
recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com

4 cups peeled & diced potatoes
1/3 cup diced celery
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham
4 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
5 tablespoons butter

5 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

salt to taste

Optional: ham bone

Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham and water & chicken stock in a stockpot (also add ham bone if using.) Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the salt (if using- I used very little) & pepper.

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk as not to allow lumps to form until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes.

Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through. Sprinkle with freshly grated black pepper, cheddar cheese & scallions.

Serve immediately.