Rustic Crock-pot Ham, Potato, Cheddar, and Chive Soup

Adapted from The Gourmet Slow Cooker: Simple and Sophisticated Meals From Around the World's Potato, Cheddar, and Chive Soup
Serves 8.

Ingredients

1 large sweet onion, finely diced
2 T. olive oil
1-2 c. baked uncured ham, finely diced
6 carrots, finely diced
3 stalks celery, finely diced
3 large cloves garlic
6-8 yellow potatoes, finely chopped
1/2 c. dry white wine
5 t. Chicken Better Than Bullion
1 pinch chipotle powder
1 bay leaf
Freshly ground black pepper
1 c. shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, or a mixture of extra-sharp Cheddar and smoked Gouda
5 c. water
1/4 c. chopped fresh chives
1 c. 2% Greek yogurt (optional)
1/4 c. crumbled extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, for garnish

Preparation
Place wine, ham, bullion paste, vegetables, garlic, seasonings, and shredded cheese in a gallon freezer zipper storage bag. Freeze. Thaw overnight.

Directions
Add contents of bag and 5 c. water to crock-pot.  Cook on low for 4-8 hours.
Add extra stock or water if the soup is too thick. Break up the potato with a fork or use a potato masher to achieve a texture that suits you. Season with salt and pepper.

Ladle into soup bowls, sprinkle with the crumbled cheese and chives, dollop with yogurt, and serve immediately.

Southwestern Potato-Cheddar Soup
For a Southwestern version of this soup, use cilantro instead of chives, and add 1 (4-ounce) can chopped roasted green chiles, 1/4 c. cilantro, and 1 whole serrano chile. Serve with frozen roasted corn, thawed.

Stove-top Method
Sauté ham, vegetables, and garlic in olive oil. Deglaze pan with wine. Add potatoes, water, bullion paste, and seasonings. Cover and cook at a simmer until potatoes are tender. Mash with a potato ricer to desired consistency. Add extra stock or water if the soup is too thick. Stir in shredded cheese.

Ladle into soup bowls, sprinkle with the crumbled cheese and chives, dollop with yogurt, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts
Servings 8.0
Amount Per Serving
calories 414
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7 g	11 %
Saturated Fat 2 g	9 %
Monounsaturated Fat 3 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 26 mg	9 %
Sodium 774 mg	32 %
Potassium 1202 mg	34 %
Total Carbohydrate 68 g	23 %
Dietary Fiber 6 g	25 %
Sugars 9 g
Protein 22 g	44 %
Vitamin A	158 %
Vitamin C	106 %
Calcium	32 %
Iron	20 %