6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
2 carrots, diced
6 celery stalks, diced
2 qt. water
1 onion, chopped
6 tbsp. butter
6 tbsp. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 c. milk

In a large kettle, cook potatoes, carrots and celery in water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain, reserving liquid and setting vegetables aside.

In the same kettle, sauté onion in butter until soft. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add 1 cup or more of reserved cooking liquid until soup is desired consistency.

Yield: 8 to 10 servings (about 2 1/2 quarts).