I didn’t know what to expect family-wise when it came to meals for the Christmas holiday. If the weather was decent, there was the possibility that we’d have one son and family just before Christmas or the other son and family Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. So I fixed a couple of salads and baked a ham and had other dishes in mind just in case.

You know how it turned out. The weather was dreadful. It ended up with everyone staying home. The holiday was wonderful anyway, with plenty of family phone calls both days. But we did end up with lots of leftovers that we’ve been picking at since then. We had lots of ham left so I’m made it into Ham and Potato Soup.

If you try the recipe, cook the potatoes until they are just tender. Otherwise, the potatoes will end up mushy. (I know. I’ve done it.) Also, be sure to stir the butter and flour mixture constantly so it is smooth. The same goes when you add the milk. If you don’t add it to the flour mixture gradually, stirring all the while, you will get lumps. (I’ve done that, too.)

Ham and Potato SoupHam and Potato Soup

Ham and Potato Soup

3 ½ cups potatoes, peeled and diced

1/3 cup celery, diced

1/3 cup onion, finely chopped

¾ cups ham, cooked and diced

3 ¼ cups water

2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon white or black pepper (ground)

5 tablespoons butter

5 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham, and water in a soup pot. Bring to a boil; lower heat to medium and cook until potatoes are just tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the bouillon and salt and pepper. In another saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat, watching so it doesn’t burn. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until thick—about 1 minute. Add the milk slowly, stirring all the while so that lumps will not form. Continue until all of the milk has been used up. Continue stirring until thick, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir the milk mixture into the soup pot mixture and cook the soup until heated through. Serve immediately.

Note — You can use bouillon cubes instead of granules.

The weather has been so cold that we have been enjoying soups that are hearty and can be microwaved. Do you have a favorite soup recipe that you would like to share with readers? If so, please call me at 970-824-8809 or write to me at Box 415, Craig 81626. Happy 2016!