Shrimp Chowder

It's been O so cool here.  Rain has finally arrived.  Lots of it.  Makes me hungry for a nice hot soup...I got this one from an old Gooseberry Patch Home for the Holidays Book.  Think I'll try it this weekend.

Shrimp Chowder

• 4 large onions, sliced thin
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 1 cup boiling water
• 6 medium potatoes, pared and cubed
• 1 T salt (okay I can't imagine putting this much salt in it!!!)
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups (1/2 lb) grated cheese (cheddar, colby, etc)
• 2 lbs deveined shrimp

In a dutch oven (using my 3 Qt Longaberger Casserole for this), saute onion in butter or margarine.  Add water, potatoes, salt and pepper; simmer, covered, for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.  Meanwhile, heat milk and cheese until the cheese has melted (do not boil).  To the potatoes and onions add the shrimp; cook until the shrimp turn pink (about 3 minutes).  Add the hot milk/cheese mixture.  Heat, again do not boil.  Serve with a sprig of parsley.  Makes 8 large servings.