Potato Soup

This is one of the highest ranked recipes at http://www.allrecipes.com/ and by looking at the ingredients list, you wouldn't think so. However, it is one of the best potato soups you'll eat and it is so easy! It's a great base and you can add just about anything to it. Top with cheese, bacon and chives and make it more like a baked potato soup. Add corn, or even clams. It's loved by all, big or small.

3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
1/3 cup diced celery
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 cup diced cooked ham
3 1/4 cups water
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper, or to taste
5 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk

Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham and water in a stockpot. 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.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk as not to allow lumps to form until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through. Serve immediately.

Serves 4-6.