3 c. water
4 med. potatoes, pared and sliced
1 c. sliced carrots
1 med. onion, diced
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. flour
1 qt. milk
1/2 lb. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 c. cubed cooked ham
1 c. sliced celery

Bring water to boil in large kettle, add celery, potatoes, carrots, onion, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Melt butter in large saucepan. Blend in flour slowly. Stir in milk gradually. Cook over medium heat. Stir constantly until mixture comes to a boil. Boil 1 minute. Stir in cheese, add ham. Heat but do not boil before serving.