Golden Potato Soup

6 cups cubed Yukon Gold potatoes
2 cups water
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 tsp dried parsley
2 tsp chicken bouillon granules
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 cup flour
2 cups whole milk, divided
16oz. Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup cubed fully cooked ham
1/3 cup real bacon bits

In a 5qt pot combine the first nine ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 12-14 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Meanwhile in a small bowl combine flour and 1/4 cup milk until smooth, add to soup. Add the cheese and remaining milk. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the ham and bacon, heat through.

What I did different: I used ham steaks because I don't always have a ham laying around in my fridge. You could use any kind of milk but for the thickening process whole milk works best.