Winter Vegetable Chowder

This is an old favorite recipe in our family. Not only do my kids love it, but it's a great way to get veggies into them on these cold, wintery days.

1/2 c chopped onion
1/2 c sliced celery
2 TBSP butter
Saute the above until the vegetables are soft. Then add the next 7 ingredients:
2-3 potatoes, cut into 1/2" cubes
1 c peeled, sliced carrots
2 c water
1 tsp beef bouillon
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp crushed basil
1/4 tsp pepper
Heat to boiling. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Stir in 1 cup each of sliced zucchini and frozen corn.
Combine 1 TBSP flour with a small amount of evaporated milk. Then, add the rest of 2/3 c evaporated milk to the flour mixture. Pour that into the soup. Cook and stir over medium heat just until boiling.
Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Sprinkle each serving with additional cheese, if desired.