D-liz-ious Potato(e) Soup

Ok my dear lizzy. Soup's on.

Things To Go Buy From the Store If They're Not In Your Fridge~

8 yukon gold potatoes, washed and cubed (reserve 2 cubed potatoes)
1/2 cup of cooked and diced Virginia smoked ham
100g shredded, smoked Gouda (about 3/4 cup)
100g shredded, extra old Cheddar (about 3/4 cup)
6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth/stock or equal amounts water with boullion...but stock is better.
1 cup of heavy cream (*warning* you can substitute lesser cream or milk but it just won't be as tasty)
4 shallots, diced
2 clove of garlic, minced
20g fresh rosemary
1 bay leaf
salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
1/2 tsp each of mustard powder, onion powder and white pepper
6 tbsp butter


Chop Up the Stuff That Needs Chopping First~

Dice Potatoes
Dice Ham
Shred Cheese
Chop Shallots


Let the Games Begin~

In a non-stick skillet- melt 3 tbsp of butter and begin to saute the 2 potatoes that you set aside from the rest of the pile. Make sure you do this on a low heat so as not to brown them too fast. We'll come back to this pan (but don't you forget about it and go setting any fires or anything).

In a stock pot- melt the remaining butter and add shallots and garlic. Saute on medium heat until shallots are caramelized (golden). Add remaining potatoes, rosemary, stock and seasonings. Bring to a soft boil. Cover and let bubble until potatoes are soft.

Back to the skillet- Add the ham and turn the heat up to med high. Get those taters browning and the ham warming. This should only take several minutes. Once browned, remove from heat (and turn the burner OFF now...remember, no fires).

Back to the pot- Remove the pot from the burner momentarily. Using a hand mixer (if you don't have one use a blender or cuisinart...but for the love of god let the mixture cool a little first) blend the mixture until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings. Slowly stir in the cream and then the cheeses. Add the sauteed potatoes and ham. Heat for several more minutes....then enjoy!!!
If you're entertaining or always like your food to look fancy, even if only for your fine self, then you can garnish with a few shreds of cheese and a sprig of fresh rosemary. Serve with toasted baguette or cracked pepper flat breads.

Your welcome ;o)