Monday, May 9, 2011

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.

I'm not sure why my picture is loading sideways.


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 :)