2 c. water
1 c. celery, chopped
1 c. carrots, chopped
1/2 c. onion, chopped
1 lb. fresh broccoli, washed and chopped
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. flour
1/4 tsp. white pepper
4 c. milk
Tabasco sauce, as desired
Salt to taste
1 lb. processed cheese spread, cut in 1/2-inch cubes
2 c. ham, cut in 1/2-inch cubes

In large saucepan, combine water, celery, carrots and onion. Bring to boil; reduce heat. Simmer covered for about 5 minutes or until tender crisp. Add broccoli; cook until broccoli is tender crisp about 4-5 minutes. Do not drain vegetables.

To make sauce; melt butter in large saucepan; blend in flour, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring for 1 minute. Stir in milk; cook until mixture thickens. Add several drops of Tabasco sauce if desired. Stir in the cheese and cook until melted; add the ham cubes. Combine cheese mixture with undrained vegetables; stir to blend.