Ham and Corn Chowder

We had this soup last night to use up some leftover ham and Claire even liked it, so we are sharing... Great with fresh homemade bread or rolls.

2 ribs of celery, diced
1/4 cup diced onions
2 T butter
2 T flour
3 cups milk
2 cups cooked ham, diced
2 cups potatoes, cooked and diced
1 can corn
1 can cream style corn
1 cup diced carrots
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/8 teaspoon red pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt

Two ways to make this - on the stove top or in the crock pot. In the crockpot the milk will curdle, but it still tastes great. We didn't have creamed corn and it turned out fine too.

1. In a large sauce pan, saute the onion, celery, and butter until softened.
2. Add flour and stir until well blended, then gradually add the milk.
3. bring to a boil while stirring and it should thicken up.

4. This is where you can either transfer the mixture to the crockpot and add the rest of the ingredients and let it go for 4 hours on low. OR You can add the rest of the ingredients (but you would need to cook the carrots and potatoes ahead of time) and bring to a boil. Then you reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 15 - 20 minutes. I prefer crock-pot way...