Cheesy Vegetable Chowder

A good basic recipe for a hearty vegetable and cheddar cheese chowder.

Recipe Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups chicken broth
8 celery ribs, sliced
4 carrots, sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Garnish: chopped fresh parsley and shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Cooking Directions:

1. Bring first 6 ingredients to a boil in a Dutch oven. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove from heat, and stir in corn.
2. Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat; add flour, whisking until smooth. Cook 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually whisk in milk; cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Add cheese, stirring until blended.
3. Stir cheese mixture gradually into vegetable mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thoroughly heated. Serve immediately. Garnish, if desired.

Makes 4 servings.