POTATO SOUP

Ingredients

4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 cup instant potato flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup chopped, cooked ham (from ham bone)
2 tablespoons chopped chives
1 cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese

Preparation

Place potatoes in a 4-quart pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes, or until potatoes are almost done. Stir in all remaining ingredients except cheese. Cover and simmer 30 minutes, stirring often from the bottom. Serve soup hot, sprinkling each serving with cheese. (May be served chilled with hot summer meals.) Makes 6 servings.