Beer Cheese Soup

Total Time: 20 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• 12 ounces beer (nothing too dark, light beers work as well)
• 1/2 lb bacon (not in the recipe i remember) (optional)
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup carrot, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, minced
• 1/4 cup red pepper, minced
• 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can condensed chicken broth
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup half-and-half cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• garlic-flavored croutons, to garnish
• paprika, to garnish

Recipe

• 1 open beer and let stand while you dice the veggies. saute bacon until crisp (if using); drain, reserving drippings, crumble bacon.
• 2 saute veggies in 2 tablespoons of reserved bacon grease until soft. add chicken broth.
• 3 fill empty broth can with beer and add to mixture. (save, do not drink, the remaining beer!) bring to boil, then simmer.
• 4 pour remaining beer into mixing bowl (told you not to drink it) and whisk in flour.
• 5 gradually add to broth, stirring constantly, until thick. add half & half, bacon (if desired) and cheese.
• 6 heat until cheese melts. stir in sugar. add salt, pepper to taste.
• 7 after ladeling into bowls, garnish with croutons and paprika.