Ham and Cheese Soup

Recipe By : Unknown
Categories: Soups

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup onions -- chopped
1/2 cup celery -- chopped
1/4 cup bell pepper -- chopped - any color
1 tablespoon garlic -- chopped
1 cup ham -- diced
4 cups chicken stock -- or water with bouillon
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 cup heavy cream -- optional
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese -- (1/2 to 1)
chopped green onions for garnish -- optional

Fry all onions, celery, bell pepper, and garlic in oil till tender.
Add ham and fry to release some oils and meld the flavors.
Add stock or water and bullion, bay leaf, and basil. Simmer to reduce
slightly (20-30 minutes).
Add cream and bring back to a boil (optional). Slowlyadd cheese -
stirring constantly. Serve immediately.
This was kind of a spur of the moment made up recipe - so its still in
the improving stage but my S.O. loves it! Make sure you only use
cheddar cheese or any other cheese you know will melt into the liquid
well...
I tried half mozzerella (dunno why - temporary insanity?) the first
time and it was a gooey disaster and a half!