Broccoli & Swiss Chowder

By Fleur de lis

Ingredients

• 1 lb ham hocks or meaty ham bone
• 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped broccoli
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 Tbsp all purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 cup (4oz) shredded process Swiss cheese
• Dash of pepper
• salt to taste

Preparation

Step 1

Cook ham in water for 1 1/2 hours or until meat falls off bone. Drain, reserving 1 1/2 cups broth. Let ham cool; dice and set aside.

Combine broccoli and reserved ham broth in a 3 quart Dutch oven; heat to boiling. Cover and reduce heat; simmer 5 mines or until the broccoli is tender.

Combine 1/4 cup water and flour, stirring well. Gradually stir flour mixture, milk, half and half, and cheese into broccoli. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add diced ham and pepper; heat thoroughly (do not boil).

Yield: 6 servings