Slow Cooked Potato Soup

Ingredients:
- 5 12 cups peeled potatoes, divided
- 2 34 cups water
- 13 cup butter, cubed
- 1 13 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 23 cup chopped onion
- 34 teaspoon garlic powder
- 34 teaspoon paprika
- 18 teaspoon pepper
- 12 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 23 cup sour cream
- milk (optional)

Directions:
- Place 4-1/2 cups of the potatoes in a saucepan add water.
- Bring to a boil reduce heat cover and cook 15-20 min or until tender.
- Remove from heat; do not drain.
- Mash potatoes stir in butter.
- In a 3 quart slow cooker combine the ham, celery, onion, garlic powder, paprika, pepper and remaining cubed potatoes.
- Stir in the mashed potatoes top with cheese.
- Cover and cook 5-6 hours or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the sour cream until blended.
- Thin soup with milk if desired.