Farmer Sausage Corn Chowder

• Another family favourite, it is the soup I often take to families when they need a loving touch.

• 1/2 ring smoked farmer sausage or 3 cups cubed smoked ham
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 - 3 stalks celery, diced. 
• 2 diced bell peppers
• 5 medium potatoes,  peeled if not white thin skinned and then diced
• 3 sliced carrots 
• 2 -3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

1. Saute the sausage or ham in a soup pot.
2. Add the onions and celery and fry until the veggies are softened.
3. Add 5 -6 cups of water to the pot.
4. Add the rest of the veggies. . .adding the corn last.
5. Allow to simmer until all the veggies are tender.

I do this mid afternoon, put it on a very slow simmer, barely simmering and leave it be until nearly dinner time when I add the cheese sauce.

Cheese Sauce

• 1/4 cup butter melted
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups grated cheese (cheddar or mexican blend)

1. Stir together melted butter and flour in a 4 cup measuring cup.
2. Add milk and whisk until well combined.
3. Heat a minute at a time in the microwave, stirring well after each minute until the sauce is thickened and bubbly.
4. Add cheese and stir to melt.
5. Add the sauce into the soup and bring to a very low simmer and then serve immediately.