When plans to be out for the day suddenly changed and I found I had nothing pressing to do, I knew immediately what I wanted. I called my sister and was thrilled she was able to come for a visit. We chatted, caught up on family, laughed and ate a light lunch of potato and Ham Soup while Jared, Abbey, Erin and John popped in and out.
I was in the mood for soup. A soup to use the Easter ham leftovers, but, not a heavy soup. Bean soup wouldn’t work because I hadn’t soaked beans and didn’t have canned. I’d make potato soup and though I love thick, rich, cheesy potato soup, this time I wanted something lighter. This potato and ham soup with carrots, celery and onion is in a thinner broth and just slightly thickened with milk and flour.
Perfect for an unplanned, spontaneous and delightful sistertime.
Potato & Ham Soup
INGREDIENTS
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth (reduced sodium if you prefer to add your own salt)
- 2 large potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
- small sprig of fresh rosemary, chopped or 1⁄4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- hefty dash pepper
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups ham, cooked and diced
- 1 Tbs. fresh parsley, chopped
salt
DIRECTIONS
In a Dutch oven or pot, melt butter over medium heat; add celery, carrot and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 minutes.
Stir in chicken broth, potatoes, rosemary and pepper. Heat to boiling; reduce heat, cover and simmer gently until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.
In a measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the milk and flour. Pour into the soup, whisking to combine. Gently simmer and stir 5 minutes more. Stir in ham and parsley and heat through. Adjust seasoning.
…and the blessings that fill our lives to overflowing
(posting photos is the part of my blog our grandkids love the best. It truly warms my heart to know they visit and it is the main reason I blog)
bundle of sweetness
Jamie and Josh with their kiddos
Our oldest and our youngest grandchildren
Jared and Joelle
Aunt Abbey captivated with this little peanut
Keri with her baby sister
(none of us can resist kissing those incredibly soft cheeks)
our grandson, Braden in the hospital with pneumonia
home in time to celebrate Easter
and color eggs with siblings Brenna, Ryan and Shaela
Braden and our daughter, Jill
Grandson Ryan, accepting a basketball award from his dad, Brad
Coloring Easter eggs together after school
making chocolate coconut buttercream eggs
Noah and PopPop
Once a week John and I make a point to spend one-on-one time with a grandchild. During that time, we have dinner and chat, asking them five questions to spur conversation on a deeper level, always ending with how we can be praying for them. Their answers are varied and all so precious and it amazes us to see a side of them that isn’t so apparent as they interact when they are all together.
MomMom and Keri Jill
Our first granddaughter who will be entering her teen years this summer, sweet, artistic and loves all things Paris!
PopPop and Silas. See that cracked front tooth? He is proud to say he acquired it while at our house and thinks it makes him look like a hockey player!
During a weekend stay-over, we cheered on Jared’s Robotics team at competition
Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children
Proverbs 17:6
Lovely grandchildren and equally lovely grandparents. Your grands are blessed to have you spend that time with them!!
I made the soup tonight and it is a keeper!! Almost was a bust because I forgot that I didn't have any potatoes, but then remembered some tiny ones that I had purchased so I used them and left the skin on. So yummy!! Thank you for sharing your recipes!!
These kiddos are so lucky to have such a wonderful mommom and poppop. Little Joelle is a precious addition to your family.
Lovely to see those beautiful grandchildren. They are one of life's greatest rewards! The soups sounds delicious – I like the idea of a lighter soup after all that chocolate!
What a lovely, happy family you have and a new baby is a joy. I would east soup every day if I had such lovely soup dishes 🙂
Amalia
xo
What an interesting post! The soup looks so delicious and the recipe is definitely a keeper for me.
Your precious little granddaughter is so adorable! I like how you have her pictured with the older grandchildren, and I especially like the one of Jared holding her.
I love that you spend one on one time with your grandchildren, and that you end the time with asking how you can pray for them. They are so blessed to have you both in their lives!
As for the robotics competition, well I know that we would have enjoyed that too. You must have been a bit proud of your grandson's skills.
Lovely post! What a privilege to step into your family life for a few minutes this morning.
Happy Friday!
That soup looks delicious and love all the family shots
Grandchildren are so precious….and you are so blessed.