Golden Chowder

Across most of the country it is spring, but here it is rainy and dreary.  The perfect day for a bowl of hot, steamy soup to take the chill out.  This soup is another recipe of my Mom's.  It is perfectly creamy and delicious.

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Golden Chowder

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 2 cups carrots, chopped
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 lb fresh or frozen broccoli, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• 4 cups milk
• salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 2-4 cups shredded cheddar
• 2 cups ham, cubed

*In a large saucepan combine broth, celery, carrots and onion.  Boil, reduce heat.  Simmer covered for about 5 minutes.
*Add broccoli. Cook until broccoli is tender crisp.  (Leave lid slightly open to keep bright green color.)
*Remove from heat.  Do not drain.
*Melt butter in a large pan.  Blend in flour, salt and pepper.  Cook for 1 minute.
*Stir in milk.  Cook until mixture thickens, stirring frequently.
*Stir in cheese and cook until melted.
*Add the ham cubes and the vegetable/broth mixture.  Stir to blend.
*Garnish with paprika.

I hope you enjoy this as much as our family does!  Feel free to omit the ham ( I usually leave it out) and add whatever vegetables you have on hand.  The recipe adapts well.

Enjoy!
- Carla :)