Recipe: Broccoli-Ham Chowder

Broccoli-Ham Chowder
rec.food.cooking/John J. Kmieciak Jr. (2001)

2 cups water
1 cup celery chopped
1 cup carrots slivered
1/2 cup onion chopped
1 lb. fresh or frozen chopped broccoli

Combine first 4 ingredients. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 minutes or until tender/crisp. Add broccoli; cook until tender (4-5 minutes). Do not drain vegetables.

Cheese Sauce:
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup butter
4 cups milk '
1/2 lb. process cheese or 3 cups grated cheddar
Tabasco sauce (optional)
2 cups 1/2-inch cubed ham (optional)

Melt butter in pan. Blend flour, salt and peppier together, then add to butter. Cook 1 minute and stir. Stir in milk until thickens. Add cheese and stir until melted through. May add Tabasco sauce and ham if desired. Combine sauce with broccoli mixture.