Cheesy Ham Chowder

From Taste of Home (with asterisks denoting my changes or additions). This one is for you, Al:
(10 servings)

10 Applewood Smoked Uncured Peppered* thick cut bacon strips, diced
1 large sweet* white onion, chopped
1 cup diced carrots
3 T. flour
3 cups 2%* milk
1&1/2 cups water
2&1/2 cups cubed baby red skinned* potatoes
15-16 oz. roasted/charred* whole kernel corn
2 t. Better Than Bouillon* Chicken granules
Freshly ground pepper to taste
3 cups (12 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar* or pepper Jack* cheese
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
Tabasco sauce*, if desired

In a Dutch oven, cook the bacon over med. heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels to drain. In the drippings, saute onion and carrots until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually add milk and water. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 mins. or until thickened. Add the potatoes, corn, bouillon, and pepper. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 mins. or until potatoes are tender. Add cheese and ham, heat until cheese is melted. Stir in bacon. Serve with a bottle of Tabasco sauce on the table, a wedge salad, and warm garlic bread. Holy Moly. I'm gonna make this on my next day off!!

"The happiest people in the world are not those who have no problesm but the people who have learned to live with those things that are less than perfect." ~ James Dobson

Have FUN today!!

Love,

MM