Beer Cheese Soup

hmmm beer cheese soup!!  I was so excited when my calendar had this recipe pop up today!!  Ross was nice enough to make this - so it was nice to come home and cuddle up to warm soup on such a cold day ....WINTER IS FINALLY HERE!! (well - the cold is here...it was -12 today !!...just need some snow!)  Anyways - this was super good!!  I would recommend a nice Coors light for your light beer....and some popcorn to throw on top!!  ahhhh soooo good!!!

Recipe/day calendar

Ingredients:

12oz can of light beer

8 slices bacon

1/2 cup onion, diced

1/2 cup carrot, finely chopped

1/2 cup celery, minced

1/4 cup sweet red pepper, minced

10.5oz can condensed chicken broth

1/4 cup flour

1 cup half and half coffee creamer

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 tablespoon sugar

salt and pepper to taste

Open beer and let stand while dicing veggies.  Saute bacon until crisp.  Drain and crumble.  In a large soup kettle, saute veggies in two tablespoons of bacon grease until soft.  Add chicken broth.  Fill chicken can with beer and add to mixture.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Pour remaining beer into a small mixing bowl and whisk in flour.  Gradually add to broth, stirring constantly, until thickened.  Add half and half, bacon and cheese.  Heat until cheese melts.  Stir in sugar.  Add salt and pepper to taste.