Ham And Potato Soup
["12 to 16 potatoes, peeled and cut up", "2 c. diced ham", "2 medium onions, chopped", "1 to 2 celery stalks, chopped", "3 tsp. salt", "1 tsp. margarine", "1/4 tsp. pepper", "7 c. milk", "1 to 2 bay leaves (optional)"]
["In a 4-quart container, assemble all ingredients (except salt), taking care not to heat milk beyond scalding.", "Cook for 90 minutes over a low to medium fire, stirring occasionally, since the potatoes take the longest to cook.", "Add salt gradually until it suits your taste.", "Adjust other seasonings, if desired.", "Fresh vegetables and the leanest ham are recommended."]
["potatoes", "ham", "onions", "celery stalks", "salt", "margarine", "pepper", "milk", "bay leaves"]