Potato and Ham Soup

   7 cups peeled and large diced potatoes

     2/3 cup diced celery

   2/3 cup finely chopped onion

  1.5 cups diced cooked ham

   6.5 cups water

  2 tablespoons chicken base 

 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste   

2 teaspoon ground white or black pepper, or to taste

10 tablespoons butter

10 tablespoons all-purpose flour

 4 cups milk

1.  Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the chicken bouillon, salt and pepper.

2.  In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook stirring constantly until thick. Slowly whisk in milk to avoid lumps to form until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes.

3.  Stir the milk mixture into the pot containing the potatoes and ham. Cook until heated through. Serve immediately.