CHEESY HAM AND POTATO SOUP

Ingredients

5 – 6 cups peeled and diced potatoes

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

1 cup finely chopped onion

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 tbsp chives, chopped

2 cups finely diced cooked ham

1 ham bone (optional)

4 cups water

2 cups broth

½ tsp salt.

1 tsp black pepper,

5 tbsp butter

5 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

1 tsp mustard.

1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 cup cheddar cheese, grated

Directions

1. Heat oil and butter in a large soup pot.
2. Saute onions until softened, 2 - 3 minutes; add garlic, ham, chives, toss and cook for another 2 - 3 minutes.
3. Add potatoes, mix and heat together with the ham mixture. Cook for 3 - 5 minutes.
4. Pour in water, stock, ham bone, salt and pepper; bring to boil and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Some more water may need to be added during cooking.
5. In a separate saute pan over medium heat melt butter, whisk in flour and stir constantly for about a minute; slowly stir in milk, add salt, pepper and a dash of mustard. Add cheeses and continue stirring about 3 to 5 minutes until mixture thickens.
6. Add the cheese sauce to soup, combine and simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve.