CHEESY VEGETABLE CHOWDER

Steps:

• BRING first 6 ingredients to a boil in a Dutch oven.
• Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until potato is tender.
• Stir in corn; remove from heat.
• MELT butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat; add flour, stirring until mixture is smooth.
• Cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute.
• STIR in milk and next 5 ingredients.
• Cook, stirring constantly, until cheese melts.
• Gradually stir cheese mixture into vegetable mixture.
• COOK over medium heat, stirring constantly, until soup is thoroughly heated.
• Garnish, if desired, and serve immediately.
• Makes: 2 quarts.