Ale and Cheddar Soup

 Photo Credit: http://www.closetcooking.com

Ale and Cheddar Soup

Original Recipe: http://www.closetcooking.com/2012/03/ale-and-cheddar-soup.html

Ingredients:

•     1/2 pound bacon (double smoked is good), cut into 1 inch slices
•     1 onion, diced
•     2 stalks celery, diced
•     2-4 jalapeno peppers, diced
•     2 cloves garlic, chopped
•     1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
•     2 tablespoons butter
•     1/4 cup flour
•     1 bottle ale
•     2 cups chicken broth
•     1/2 cup heavy cream
•     1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
•     1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
•     2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
•     cayenne to taste
•     salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the bacon in a pan over medium heat and set aside on paper towels to drain, reserving 1-2 tablespoons of the grease in the pan.
2. Add the onion, celery and jalapeno and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
4. Add the butter and let it melt and get all bubbly then sprinkle on the flour and let it cook until it starts to turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the ale followed by the broth and bacon and let cook for 10 minutes.
6. Add the cream, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and cheese and cook until the cheese has melted but do not bring it back to a boil.
7. Season with cayenne, salt and pepper to taste. and enjoy.