Cheesy Vegetable Chowder

Place the water, potatoes, celery, carrots, onions, and salt and pepper in a Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over medium heat for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan or microwave bowl, melt the margarine and add the flour. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Stir in the cheese. Add the sauce to the vegetable pot, along with the peas and corn. Stir gently and heat through.

We eat this soup vegetarian but it also tastes good with ham or sausage added. If you want to make a sausage chowder, cook sliced farmer sausage in the water before adding the vegetables.