Oops All Gone Potato Soup

Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed pot. Saute the onion until it starts to caramelize and turn golden brown. Add the celery and cook until the celery has begun to soften. Add the carrots and potatoes. Add enough water to just cover the veggies (see note). Add some pepper to taste (I like mine peppery, the kids not so much), bring to a boil and then simmer until ready to add milk.

(Note: I simmer it until the carrots are tender, the tiny potatoes have broken down and there is only a little water left. If you have watery potatoes, or want to eat sooner and have everything cut into small pieces, then use less water.)

Add the ham. Stir in the milk (amount depends on how much broth you like for your soup) and gently heat until the milk and ham are the desired serving temperature. Cheese to taste!

Don’t forget to have some yummy bread on hand for mopping up the bottom of the bowl!