HEARTY POTATO, HAM AND CHEESE CHOWDER

Steps:

• Bake potatoes until done.
• Cool.
• Peel.
• Cut four potatoes into small cubes.
• Mash the remaining four with a fork.
• Set aside.
• Using a large soup pot, saute onion and celery in the 4 tablespoons of margarine or butter.
• Cook until celery is tender.
• Remove vegetables from pan.
• Place remaining 6 tablespoons of butter or margarine in pan.
• Add flour.
• Mix over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Gradually add milk, stirring constantly to blend with flour mixture.
• Add bouillon cubes and black pepper to taste.
• Readd celery and onions to pot.
• Add mashed potatoes.
• Cook until heated through.
• Add ham, and cubed potatoes.
• Cook over medium low heat 15 minutes, stirring often.
• Add cheese and bacon, if using, and cook until cheese is melted through.
• Add more milk if soup is too thick.