We went from Fall to Winter overnight. I thought I was prepared, but not really. The 
Butcher and I were raking up leaves yesterday, and today there is snow on the ground. Tonight, we are going to have soup. I am making “Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup”. I have leftover mashed potatoes so I am using them in the soup tonight instead of boilinjg potatoes.
5 medium baking potatoes
15 oz. of cooked diced ham (mine were larger chunks about 1″)
1/2 medium onion diced
3 Tablespoons butter
2 1/2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese
2 teaspoons of Ham Flavored Soup Base
2 Cups of hot water
2 Tablespoons of flour
2 teaspoons of fresh grated pepper (season to taste)
I preheated the oven to 375 degrees.
I took the baking potatoes (unpeeled), I washed them, and put them in a pot, covered them with water, and boiled them for 18 minutes. I removed the potatoes from the water, and allowed them to cool for about 10 minutes. I then cut the 
potatoes in about 1/4″ slices.
I took 2 cups of water from the pan that I boiled the potatoes in. (No need to waste water–especially when you can capture some of the nutrients from the potatoes) I added the 2 teaspoons of the Ham Flavored Soup Base and stirred until dissolved. I then added the 2 Tablespoons of flour to slightly thicken the soup base.
I took a covered casserole dish (approximately 14″ X 14″ in size), I buttered the bottom and sides of the dish. I put 1/3 of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish. I put fresh ground pepper on the potatoes. I next layered the ham (about 1/3) and onions (about 1/3) on top of the potatoes. I put 4 oz. of cheese (about 1/3) over the potato mixture and then topped the cheese with 1 tablespoon of butter. I repeated this process 2 more times so I had 3 layers of potatoes, ham, onions, cheese and butter. I poured the Ham base mixture over the 3 layers, and put the cover on the casserole dish. I cooked this in the oven for 50 minutes.
You will love the way everything melts together. This is a warm meal that will stick to your bones. Don’t be afraid to experiment with items in your cabinets and your refrigerator. You never know what great meal you are going to create.
Until next time…From our Butcher Block to your Table.