Creamy Cabbage Soup

Ingredients
4 cups chicken broth
2 celery stalks, chopped
1/2 medium head of cabbage, shredded
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1/4 cup butter
3 tbsp flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 cups half and half cream
1 cup milk
2 cups ham, cooked and cubed
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Chopped parsley, for garnish, if desired

Directions
1. Add chicken broth, celery, cabbage, onions and carrot 
   to a large pot and bring to a boil. 
2. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes or until vegetables 
   are tender.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. 
4. Add flour, salt, and pepper to the butter and stir to 
   form a smooth paste.
5. Gradually add the cream and the milk mixture to the 
   butter mixture, stirring constantly. 
6. Continue to cook and stir until it reaches desired 
   thickness.
7. Gradually add the mixture to vegetables, stirring to 
   combine. 
8. Add the ham and thyme and heat through.
9. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.