Potato Soup

I've been home from Jon and Marie's a week now.  I always feel so torn when leaving any of my family on either end of where I am.  I think it is a mother's dilemma.  What a wonderful time I had with them.  I  got a full dose of filling that hole in my heart where they belong, and even though I know it won't be long before that hole will need filling again, I praise the Lord for being able to be with them and drink in the bliss of it  for that moment. For those of you who don't have grandchildren yet, just you wait; your going to love it... it really is wonderful and special.

Since being home, I have been inspired to clean out and reorganize my kitchen.  Got the pantry, refrigerator, tupperware cabinet (does that one ever stay cleaned out and organized... I don't think so), spice cabinet, dishes and pots and pans reorganized. I love doing that (I have to be in the right mood to get it done though).  Went to town and restocked the groceries (the cupboards here were like ol Mother Hubbard's if you know what I mean).    Have been working on cooking up a few comfort foods around here, to bring in some cozy winter cheer, and bless my hubby and Luke and Eddie.  Incidentally, My hubby missed me greatly and said he would "rise up and call me blessed"....  Love him so much.  Its nice to be missed and valued.

This morning as  I post it is delightfully sunny, but there have been a few snowy days  since I got home, and those days always call for soups.  Thought I would post the potato soup recipe that I made for Jon and Maire.  Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Much Love, Pam

Creamy Potato Soup

Ingredients

8 large potatoes, peeled and chopped

1 large onion peeled and diced

2 cups diced turkey ham or ham

  3-4 cups chicken broth or potato water or both

1 4 oz stick of butter

1/2 cup of flour

2 cups cream, half and half,  or milk ( I usually use mostly milk with a little cream)

1 1/2 Teaspoons Salt

2 or 3 Green Onions Chopped

Croutons (homemade are easy and taste the best)

Instructions

Place potatoes in a pot of water and boil until tender. Drain desired amount of water and add broth to potatoes.  Add chopped ham and onion. In a skillet, melt butter, stir in flour and then add milk to make a roux.  Gradually add the rest of the milk over medium heat until you have a thickened sauce.  Slowly pour into potatoe soup.  Simmer gently for a few minutes.  Spoon into bowls and top with croutons and chives.  If you like a thicker soup, increase your flour in your roux, if you like a thinner soup, increase your broth.  Mmm Mmm good. 

Note: you can add cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream to this recipe and it would be delicious.