Crockpot Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs shredded or diced frozen potatoes (thawed), or fresh peeled & diced. (Divide this into 2lbs and 1 lb.)
• 1 16 oz bag frozen cauliflower, thawed & chopped (optional)
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 medium chopped onion
• 1 large shredded carrot
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 lb diced extra-lean ham
• 1-2 quarts chicken or vegetable stock (enough to cover, +/- more/less to desired consistency)
• 1/2-1 cup flour (gluten free flour mixes work GREAT but you may have to simmer them longer to achieve a creamy texture)
• 1/4 oil or butter
• 2 cups half & half
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• seasonings to taste (salt, seasoning blends, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and/or herbs de provence are all good add in options)
  
  

Directions:

1. In crock pot combine 2 lbs potatoes, cauliflower, celery, onion, carrots, garlic, & ham.
2. Add broth to cover by 1" and cook on low 6-8 hours; It can remain on low afterwards until you are ready for step 3.
3. In a nonstick skillet on stove combine butter/oil and enough flour to make a thin paste. Cook on medium-low for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Whisk in half & half until completely combined then add parsley & black pepper. 
5. Add to crock and season to taste.
6. Stir in additional 1lb of potatoes.
7. Allow to cook on high for another 30-60 minutes to thicken.
8. When potatoes are cooked, stir in cheese and add broth until desired consistency.
9. Allow to warm through again and serve.

Notes:

• If cooking on stove top, process remains the same but time is lowered to 1-2 hours in step 2 and 15-30 minutes in step 7.
• If using gluten free flours an additional 1 hour simmer may be needed due to the texture of the grains.
• The add in of the 3rd lb of potatoes is to add texture and the first 2 will cook down to a creamy consistency. If you prefer more texture you can divide 1lb for step 1 and 2lbs for step 6.
• Never allow the mixture to boil after adding cheese and half & half. It won't spoil the soup but it will spoil the look as it will separate.
• The cauliflower is optional but is a great way to hide it from your kids.
• This can also be created with chopped broccoli used in place of all or half oft he potatoes.