CHUNKY POTATO SOUP

Ingredients

3 medium red potatoes (although I use regular potatoes)
2 c. water
1 small onion
3 tbls. butter
3 tbls. all-purpose flour
Crushed red pepper flakes
Ground black pepper
3 c. milk
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 c. shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 c. cubed cooked ham

Directions
1. Peel potatoes and cut into 1 in. cubes.

2. Bring water to a boil in large saucepan. Add potatoes and cook until tender. Drain, reserving liquid. Set aside potatoes. Measure 1 cup cooking liquid, adding water, if necessary; set aside.

3. Peel and finely chop onion. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add onion to suacepan; cook, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent and tender, but not brown.

4. Add flour to saucepan; season with pepper flakes and black pepper to taste. Cook 3-4 min.

5. Gradually add potatoes, reserved 1 cup cooking liquid, milk and sugar to onion mixture in saucepan; stir well. Add cheese and ham. Simmer over low heat 30 min., stirring frequently.