German Potato Soup

2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1 large yellow onion, chopped
4 cups potatoes, diced
1 large carrot, chopped
1 smoked ham hock or chunk of country ham
4 cups chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup half-and-half
Fresh dill, chopped
Grated cheese of your choice

Melt butter in large saucepan. Add onion, potatoes and carrot. Cover and simmer 5 minutes. Add ham, chicken stock, salt, and pepper, and simmer 30 to 45 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Remove from heat. Take ham hock from soup, cool slightly and chop meaty bits. Puree soup in a blender in two or three batches. Return to saucepan with ham and stir in half-and-half. Heat just to boiling point. Serve garnished with chopped dill and grated cheese. Makes 6 to 8 servings.