Cheddar Chowder

½ cup diced carrots
½ cup diced celery
½ cup diced onion
2 cup diced potatoes
½ tsp white pepper (less if using black pepper)
1 tsp salt
2 cups basic white sauce
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (I like medium cheddar)
1 cup diced ham (optional)

Basic White Sauce
2 cups milk
4 Tbs butter
4 Tbs flour

Melt butter then stir in flour. Slowly add milk and stir until thickens.

Place carrots, celery, onion and 2 cups water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Add potatoes, salt and pepper and cook over medium-high heat until vegetables are tender but not mushy (about 10-15 min) Stir in sauce and cheese, reduce heat to low and continue to cook without boiling until cheese melts and soup in warmed through.