Old-Fashioned Potato Soup

Old-Fashioned Potato Soup

2 stalks celery (chopped)
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 Tbls. vegetable oil
6 medium potatoes (cubed)
2 carrots (sliced)
3 cups water
5 chicken bouillon cubes
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. crushed rosemary
Dash garlic powder
Dash pepper
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Sauté celery and onion in vegetable oil in a large kettle until tender. Add the next nine ingredients. Cover and simmer about 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Remove from heat and mash with potato masher slightly. Add milk and cheese. Cook, stirring constantly until cheese is melted; do not let soup boil. Serve immediately.