Ham, Mac & Cheese Soup

Ingredients

• 4 oz. (1 1/2 cups) dried small macaroni shells
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 1 tsp. dijon-style mustard
• 1 (14 oz) can chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups half & half or milk
• 1 (8 oz) slice (1" thick) deli American cheese, cubed 1" thick
• 1 cup finely diced ham
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Set aside. Melt butter in 3 quart saucepan until sizzling; stir in flour and mustard. Add broth and half & half. Cook over medium high heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil (4-5 minutes). Reduce heat to low; stir in macaroni and ham. Cook until heated through (4-5 minutes). Salt and pepper to taste.