Ham Mac And Cheese Soup

As soon as I saw this recipe on Pinterest, I knew what I was making for our next Soup Sunday at church.  It is a huge crowd pleaser, especially for kids.  After all, who doesn't like Mac & Cheese.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups dry macaroni noodles
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard 
• 3 and 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups half and half
• 5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups diced ham
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• In a medium pot, cook the macaroni according to package directions, drain as soon as they are al dente. 
• Meanwhile, in a large soup pot melt the butter over medium heat.
• When it is hot, add the flour and mustard, use a whisk stir it up.
• Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and half and half. Turn the heat up to medium-high, and stir constantly until the mixture comes to a low boil, about 5 minutes.
• Immediately reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese.
• Stir in the macaroni and ham. 
• Keep the burner on low until it is as warm as you like.
• Salt and pepper to taste.