4 c. water
3 c. chopped (fresh or frozen) broccoli
2 c. chopped ham
1 med. onion, chopped
1 med. potato, chopped
3 tbsp. butter
1 1/2 tsp. whole dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 chicken flavored bouillon cube
1 (13 oz.) can evaporated milk
Grated Parmesan cheese, if desired

Combine all ingredients, except evaporated milk and Parmesan cheese in a Dutch oven. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally; put through blender 1/3 at a time. Put back in pan and add evaporated milk. Simmer slowly 20 minutes; boiling may cause soup to curdle. Garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired.