Ham and Cheese Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup onions - chopped
• 1/2 cup celery - chopped
• 1/4 cup bell pepper - chopped
• 1 cup diced ham
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 cup cream
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup cubed Velveeta cheese
• chopped green onions for garnish

Directions
Fry all onions, celery, and bell pepper in oil until tender. Add ham and saute to release some oils and meld the flavors. Add stock/broth, bay leaf, and basil. Simmer to reduce slightly (20-30 minutes). Add cream and return to boil to thicken a bit. Slowly add cheese - stirring constantly. Serve immediately. Garnish with green onion.