Creamy Ham and New Potato Soup

Here is another recipe for a hearty soup that will warm you up on a cold winter night and it only takes 30 minutes start to finish. Makes 4 servings. Double recipe for 8 servings.

12 ozs. tiny new potatoes, quartered (2 cups)
1 cup water
1 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 tsp. dried thyme or basil, crushed
1/4 tsp. white or black pepper
1 1/2 cups half and half, light cream or milk
1 10 oz. can reduced fat condensed cream of celery or
mushroom soup
1 cup cubed cooked ham
3/4 cup shredded American cheese(3 ozs.)
Snipped fresh chives(optional
Coarsely cracked pepper(optional)
Shredded American cheese (optional)

Step 1. In a large saucepan combine potatoes, water, carrot, onion, celery, thyme,
and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes
or until potatoes are tender.

Step 2. Stir in half and half, soup, and ham; heat through. Do not boil. Reduce heat
to low. Add cheese, stirring until melted. If desired, garnish with chives, cracked
pepper, and/or additional American cheese.

This is a very easy soup to make. It is also good served with grilled ham a cheese sandwiches.