Lynne's Cheddar Potato Chowder

This post is part of the Whole Food for the Holidays Progressive Dinner! I am always so excited when my mother-in-law makes this cheesy potato soup. Yummy, easy, and healthier than recipes using cream soups :) I usually replace the water with home-made chicken stock to make it more flavorful and nutritious. I also often add broccoli or other veggies :)

Ingredients:

2 cups diced potatoes

½ to 1 cup diced carrots

½ cup chopped celery

½ cup chopped onion

1 ½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. pepper

¼ cup margarine

¼ cup flour
2 cups milk

2 cups cheddar cheese

½ lb. Bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions: Boil two cups of water; add to potatoes, celery, carrots, onion, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Do not drain. Make a white sauce using margarine, flour, and milk. Cook until thickened. Add grated cheddar. Stir until smooth. Add bacon and the undrained vegetables. Simmer (do not boil) until heated through.