RECIPE : Star Ham & Potato Soup

serves 6-8

4 cups peeled and diced thin-skinned red, white, or gold potatoes (not baking potatoes - russets, Idaho, etc)
4 cups very flavorful homemade chicken stock
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 bay leaf  
6 tablespoons butter, divided 
1/3 cup diced celery
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
3-4 cups cooked ham, diced
5 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups milk 

Optional Garnish:
fresh parsley, chives, scallions, cheese, bacon, crackers, croutons, etc

Place the diced potatoes, dried parsley, and bay leaf in a medium saucepan and cover with chicken stock.  Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium and cook until potatoes are tender, 15-20 minutes.  Remove saucepan from heat; do not drain.

In a large skillet, saute the ham, onions, and celery in 1 tablespoon of butter until the vegetables are soft and translucent.  Add mixture to the potato and chicken stock mixture.

In the same large skillet, melt the remaining 5 tablespoons butter.  Add the four, salt, and pepper and whisk until combined, continue whisking for 1-2 minutes to cook the raw flavor out of the flour.  Slowly add the milk and whisk to combine; continue whisking until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble; pour mixture into the saucepan that contain the ham and potatoes; stir to combine.  Garnish and serve.

Source :  allrecipes.com