Secret Recipe

Over at my cousin Pam's place, she is asking us to share our "secret" recipes. This weeks topic is Soups and Stews. I don't really consider this a secret since it was given to me by a generous neighbor - but it is one of our favorites and tastes great on a cold winter night.

Vegetable Chowder

3 cups potatoes, cubed
1 lg onion, diced
1 stalk broccoli, chopped
1 to 2 carrots, grated
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 cups water
1 Tbsp. Chicken Bouillon-granules
1 cup grated cheese
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

White Sauce:

3/4 cup margarine
3/4 cup flour
1 qt. milk (4 cups)

Put vegetables, water and bouillon in large soup kettle. Simmer until potatoes are just tender. Make white sauce by melting margaine in pan and with a wire whisk, stir in flour. Cook until mixture bubbles, about 2 minutes. Add milk slowly while stirring constantly Continue cooking, stirring every few minutes until mixture thickens. Add to vegetables. Simmer soup for 10 minutes longer, Add cheese, salt and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted. Can also add cubed, cooked chicken if desired. This is excellent served in bread bowls.

Enjoy.