3 c. water
4 med. size potatoes, diced
1 c. sliced carrots
1 med. onion, diced
2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. flour
1 qt. milk
1 lb. sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
2 c. cubed chopped ham
Hot pepper sauce to taste

Bring water to boiling. Add potatoes, celery, carrots, onion, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer 10 minutes until vegetables are tender. Melt butter in large saucepan. Blend in flour. Stir in milk gradually. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture comes to boiling. Boil one minute. Stir in cheese until melted. Add to vegetables. Add ham. Heat but do not boil. Add pepper sauce.

Makes 12 servings.