2 c. water
1 c. chopped celery
1 c. chopped carrots
1/2 c. chopped onion
1 lb. fresh broccoli, washed and chopped

CHEESE SAUCE:

1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. salt or to taste
1/4 tsp. pepper
4 c. milk
4 c. grated Cheddar cheese
2 c. ham (1/2 inch cubes)
Tabasco sauce as desired

In large saucepan, combine water, celery, carrots, and onion. Bring to boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, about 5 minutes. Add broccoli; cook until tender-crisp. Do not drain!

To make Sauce: Melt butter in large saucepan. Blend in flour, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in milk; cook until mixture thickens. Add several drops of Tabasco sauce, if desired. Stir in cheese and cook until melted. Add ham cubes. Combine cheese mixture with undrained vegetables. Stir to blend. Yield: 12 servings.