CHUNKY POTATO SOUP

CHUNKY POTATO SOUP

3 medium red potatoes
3 cups water
1 small onion
3 T. butter
3 T. all-purpose flour
Crushed red pepper flakes
Ground black pepper
3 cups milk
½ tsp. sugar
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup cubed cooked ham

Peel potatoes and cut into 1-inch cubes
Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add potatoes and cook until tender. Drain, reserving liquid. Set aside potatoes.

Measure 1 cup cooking liquid, adding water, if necessary; set aside.
Peel and finely chop onion. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add onions to saucepan; cook stirrings frequently, until onion is translucent and tender, but not brown.

Add flour to saucepan; season with pepper flakes and black pepper to taste. Cook 3-4 minutes.
Gradually add potatoes, reserved 1 cup cooking liquid, milk and sugar to onion mixture in saucepan; stir well. Add cheese and ham. Simmer over LOW heat 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Store leftovers, covered, in refrigerator.

Yield: 12 servings.