Chowda Down

By: Laura

This weekend we were finally graced with our first snow of the winter season.  It was a beautiful sight to see, indeed.  I've always told Derek that it's great to see snow in December, but really, that's the only month I need it, following Christmas, I could do without it!  But, hey, I live in the Midwest, so what should I expect, right?

All this cold weather and snow makes me want to warm up inside, and what better way to do so than with some soup, or chowder to be exact.  This weekend, when I had a chill in my bones that I couldn't quit reach with the help of an extra sweater, I had to turn to Mom's good old Ham and Cheese Chowder.  I'ts easy and delicious, not to mention you probably have all the ingredients on hand, so get yourself warmed up too...here's how.

Start by peeling and cubing two cups of potatoes.  ( I actually did this in the morning and let them set in water in the fridge so they would be ready for supper in the evening.)

Boil the potatoes for about 15 minutes (or until tender) in 1/2 cup of water with a dash of salt.

Once the potatoes have been cooked, drain them, making sure to keep the "potato water" (what else do you say, really?)
Next, get three tablespoons of butter melting in a dutch oven or large stock pot.  Cook the onions until they are translucent, then add three tablespoons of flour to thicken things up.

Finally, put the soup together by adding milk, ham and cheddar cheese.  Place some homemade croutons on top and  whammo - your body temp will definitely be on the rise.

Yep, it's that easy.  I may have skimped a bit on pictures here, but you get the idea.  A soup is always a great solution to the winter blues, so put one in your meal plan this week.  I've got another soup coming soon that is sure to turn up the heat as well.  Until next time...what are some of your favorite soups to cozy up to in winter?

Ham and Cheese Chowder

From the kitchen of: Mom

1/2 cup water

Dash of salt

2 cups of peeled and cubed potatoes

3 T. butter

1/2 cup onion - chopped

3 T. flour

Dash of pepper

3 cups milk

1 1/2 cups diced ham (deli ham works too!)

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Bring the water, salt and potatoes to a boil.  Cook for about 15 minutes or until tender.  Drain the potato, making sure to keep the liquid.  Add enough water to the potato water to make 1 cup.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large pot , add the onions and cook until translucent.  Add the flour and stir to thicken.  Finally, stir in the milk, cheese, ham, and the cup of potato water.  Stir frequently until all the ingredients are fully combined and enjoy.

Homemade Croutons

Butter 

Bread (the drier the better)

Butter the bread and cut it into bit size pieces.  Broil it for two to three minutes or bake at 350 degrees for a few minutes until crispy and slightly browned.