Heather's Parmesian Corn Chowder

This is a very yummy soup. You can eat it just the way it is or put in diced ham or chicken. Freezes well too!

2 cups water
2 cups diced peeled potatoes
1/2 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup butter or margerine
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 cups milk
1 can cream style corn
6 oz of shredded parmesian cheese

In a large sauce pan, combine first 5 ingredients, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until veggies are tender(Do NOT drain)
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour, salt & pepper until smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes until thickened. Then stir it into the veggie mixture.
Add corn and cheese (and ham or chicken if you are using). Cook 10 min longer. While cooking, this needs to be monitered and stirred frequently because the cheese can stick and burn.

I got this recipe from a friend and she always uses chicken and loves it. I always use turkey- ham and prefer it that way. It's yummy either way or plain!