Country Ham Chowder

Ingredients

• 2 medium potatoes, cut into 1/2 - inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons butter or 3 tablespoons margarine
• 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 - 3 cups milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper (optional)
• 2 teaspoons dijon-style mustard (I usually leave this out ) (optional)
• 1 cup finely chopped ham (i add extra ham )
• 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (you can use medium cheddar instead)