Wisconsin Cheese Soup

Wisconsin Cheese Soup

Ingredients: 

5 tablespoons butter

2 carrots, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 onion, chopped

5 button mushrooms, chopped (optional or sub with 1 cup of chopped Broccoli Florets)

1/2 cup chopped ham (or 6 strips of cooked and crumbled Bacon)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons cornstarch

4 cups chicken broth

4 cups milk

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground mustard

2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

Salt and pepper to taste 

Directions:

In a large stockpot melt butter and saute vegetables 10 minutes or until crisp. Add ham in the last 5 minutes.  Don't let the veggies get brown. Stir in flour and cornstarch stirring constantly about 3 minutes.  Add broth and cook while stirring slightly until thickened.  Add in milk and seasonings.  Stir in cheese gradually stirring until melted.  Don't allow to boil at this point.  Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot with crusty bread.