Ham and Potato Soup

This ones a keeper!  Even Brady he only likes mashed potatoes ate this!  Next time I will make bread bowls to serve it in! YUM!

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
1/3 cup diced celery
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 cup diced cooked ham
3 1/4 cups water
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules (I used 5 cubes and added with water, potatoes, veggies before boiling)
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper, or to taste
5 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/3 cup potato flakes (optional if you prefer soup thicker...like me (; )

Directions

1. Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham and water in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the chicken bouillon, salt and pepper.
2. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk as not to allow lumps to form until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Add potato flakes to cooked potatoes if desired.  Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through. Serve immediately. Top with green onion and cheese if desired.