Vegetable and Cheese Chowder

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup quick or old fashion oats, uncooked
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups water
• 1 package (16 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables (can substitute canned or,even better, fresh vegetables of your choice - you would just need to cut the cooking time down a bit)
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups (8 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded

Method:

• Place oats in food processor or blender; cover and process for 1 minute;set aside.
• In a 4-quart saucepan or a dutch oven, saute celery and onion in butter until tender; blend in ground oats.
• Gradually add milk and water; continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
• Reduce heat; add remaining ingredients except cheese.
• Continue cooking over low heat for 10 minutes or until veggies are heated through.
• Remove from heat; add cheese and stir til well blended.