Recipe of the Week: Cheddar Cheese Soup from Le Cellier

While I am not a soup eater, this soup comes up during the MouseLife podcast almost every week. So this recipe is for them. This week's recipe of the week is the Cheddar Cheese Soup from Le Cellier.

Serves: 8

Ingredients: 

5 cups milk, warmed
½ pound bacon
10 tablespoons butter
1 cup celery
2 each red onions, finely chopped
1 ½ cups flour
1 quart chicken stock
1 pound cheddar cheese, shredded
To taste - kosher salt
To taste - freshly ground black pepper
1 ½ teaspoons Tabasco sauce
3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
12 ounces slightly warm ale 

Method of Preparation:

1.  Slowly heat milk.
2. Brown the bacon first, then render until crisp.
3. Add the butter and melt.
4. Add celery and onions, cook until translucent.
5. Add flour and mix thoroughly to form a roux.
6. Add chicken stock and simmer for three minutes.
7. Add warm milk and stir vigorously to thicken.
8. Cook out roux until thickened (it should not have a starchy taste).
9. Reduce heat to low, add cheese, and stir until melted.
10. Season with kosher salt, pepper, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce.
11. Just prior to serving, add warm ale.
12. Garnish with cooked bacon and fresh chives. 

Cook's note: When re-heating soup, do not bring to a boil, as it will break down.

Source: AllEars.net