Chunky Potato Soup

(Courtesy of Mary Kay Greiber)

Ingredients:
3 medium potatoes
2 c. water
1 small onion
3 Tbsp. flour
Crushed red pepper flakes
Black pepper
3 c. milk
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 c. cubed cooked ham
3 Tbsp. butter

Directions:
Peel potatoes and cut into 1 inch cubes.  Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.  Add potatoes and cook until tender.  Drain, reserving the liquid.  Set aside the potatoes.  Measure 1 c. of the cooking liquid (adding water if necessary); set aside.  Peel and finely chip onion.  Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.  Add onion to the saucepan; cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent and tender (but not brown).  Add flour to the saucepan; season with pepper flakes and black pepper to taste.  Remove from the heat.  Gradually add potatoes, reserved 1 c. cooking liquid, milk and sugar to the onion mixture in the saucepan; stir well.  Add cheese and ham.  Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes; stirring frequently.