Almost Marie Callendar's Potato Cheese Soup

ALMOST MARIE CALLENDAR'S POTATO CHEESE SOUP
Submitted by: Kadee Stratton

8 Cups Potatoes -- peeled and cubed (about 6-8 medium sized potatoes)
2 Cups Chopped onion (about 1 medium sized onion)
4 cups Chopped celery (about 6 stalks of celery)
2 ts Salt
4 c Water
4 c Half-and-half
6 tb Butter
1 cup Shredded sharp cheddar ( I use an 8 ounces block)Cheese (optional to sprinkle on top)

Place potatoes, onions, celery, and salt in the 4 c ofwater in a large pot. Cook on medium high about 15 minutes untilvegetables are tender. Put in blender and mix untilchunky (Better to be too chunky than end up with puree).Drain water. Return vegetables to pot and add half-and-half,butter, and cheese. Simmer on medium until hot. Do NOT Boil.

*Optional* Add 1 or 2 Tablespoon of cornstarch to 1 or 2 tablespoon of water. Make sure cornstarch is dissolved (not lumpy) and add to soup to thicken if desired.