1/2 c. water and dash of salt
2 c. peeled, cubed potatoes
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
Dash of pepper
3 c. milk
1 1/2 c. diced, cooked ham
1 1/2 c. (6 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese
Croutons (optional)
1/2 stick butter
1 sm. onion

Place 1/2 cup water and salt in small saucepan; bring to boil. Add potatoes and reduce heat. Cook 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain, reserving liquid; set aside. Melt butter in 3 quart Dutch oven. Add onion and saute until tender. Blend in flour and pepper; stir in milk and potato liquid and cook over medium heat until thickened. Add potatoes and ham; heat gently. Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Top with croutons.

As a shortcut, use canned potatoes, reserving liquid.