Ham, Potato, and Leek Soup

Name: Ham, Potato, and Leek Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 large or 2 small leeks to make 4 cups thinly sliced leeks, white and light green parts only (see How to Clean Leeks ); 4 cups chicken broth; 2 large russet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled, cut into 1/2 inch pieces; 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper; 2 cups ham, diced; 1/4 to 1/2 cup cream, half and half, or chicken stock; Salt to taste; 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chives or dill, chopped