Potato, Ham & Cheese Soup

This has been a family favorite for several years now, every since I ran across this recipe on the web. It started out as a fattening meal, but with a few minor adjustments...I transformed it into a lighter version of the original. You shouldn't definitely try this!


Potato, Ham & Cheese Soup
Serves: 4
Ingredients
-1 stick of butter
-A pair of shallots
-1 Cup of chopped/cubed ham
-1/2 cup of whole wheat flour
-2 cans of fat free, low sodium chicken broth
-2 large white potatoes, cut into cubes
-16 ounces of fat free half & half
-1 cup of graded fat free or 2 percent sharp cheddar cheese
-Dash of black pepper

Directions:
In a large saucepan, melt 1 stick of butter. Add shallots and cook until translucent. Add ham, flour and stir. Add chicken broth, stir until smooth. Simmer until thick & creamy, stirring frequently. Add potatoes, continuing to stir frequently until potatoes are tender. Add cheese, and half & half, stirring together. Add pepper to taste, and serve.