Southwest Bean Chowder

Name: Southwest Bean Chowder
Ingredients: 2 cans (15 ounces each white beans (kidney or cannellini are recommended), drained and rinsed); 1 medium onion chopped; 2 celery stalks (chopped); 1/4 cup chopped green pepper; 1 large carrot (shredded); 1 tablespoon butter; 2-4 garlic cloves (minced); 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 can corn (drained); 1 4 ounce can green chili peppers; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 2 cups of milk; 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 cup shredded cheddar (4 ounces); Optional: 1 cup cooked chicken (chopped); Optional toppings: shredded cheese (chopped cilantro, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips)