Scalloped Potato and Ham Chowder

$2.10 total / $ .35 per serving

One of my favorite comfort foods growing up was the chowder I am about to share with you. I loved it so much! It is very simple and just has a way of warming you from the inside out. Obviously, this is a great meal for the middle of winter which is perfect because it is 25 degrees and snowing outside where I live! My mother originally made this chowder with velveeta and cubed ham but because I never use velveeta and I already had extra bacon on hand, I've taken a couple liberties with her recipe. I hope that's OK Mom!

Nutritional Highlight: Potatoes. Potatoes? Really? Yep! Americans have taken the potato and used it as a vehicle for consuming salty, fattening foods. However, without being mistreated, potatoes can become a healthy and frugal addition to your dinner. Potatoes are a great source of Vitamin B6 and Potassium which are both important for a healthy heart.

Scalloped Potato and Ham Chowder     (Serves 6)

6 medium Potatoes, peeled and cut in small cubes
1 cup reserved Cooking Water from potatoes
1 cup Milk
2 Tbsp Butter
1 tsp Salt
2 tsp Ground Mustard (dry)
1/8 tsp Pepper
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese or 4 slices of your favorite deli cheese/velveeta
7 strips of thick cut Bacon or 1 cup cubed ham


Boil the potatoes in a large pot until firm but cooked through. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water before draining. Set aside. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and then add salt, pepper and mustard. Then slowly pour in the reserved cooking water and milk. Simmer until it starts to thicken. It will look like not very much liquid, but trust me, its perfect. (The cooking water from the potatoes will contain some of their starch which will thicken up the sauce.)

When sauce starts to thicken, slowly add in the cheese little by little, stirring to melt the cheese, and then the ham. Cook and continue to stir occasionally until the cheese melts totally. Finally add the cooked potatoes. Stir. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

*I think this chowder is especially delicious the next day.

Nutritional Analysis:

Per Serving: 301 Calories, 11.5g fat, 39.8g carbohydrates, 10.6g protein, >1000mg potassium, over 15% daily value of vitamin B6, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, manganese, niacin, and phosphorus.