Brown Ale & Cheddar Soup

What you need:

• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 celery, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper
• 1 Tbsp. thyme
• 1 large jalapeno, deseeded and diced
• 4 Tbsp. butter
• 1 bottle brown ale
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 12 oz. bacon
• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 lb. sharp cheddar cheese
• Extra sliced jalapeno and crumbled, cooked bacon, for garnish

Directions:

1. Cook bacon for 8 minutes and drain. Place bacon on paper towel lined plate.
2. Add celery, onion, jalapeno, garlic, and thyme to the same skillet and cook for 8 minutes.
3. Add 1/2 the bottle of beer and simmer for 5 minutes. Add broth.
4. In a small skillet, melt butter; then add flour and cook 2 minutes.
5. Whisk roux into soup and cook 8 minutes.
6. Add heavy cream, sharp cheddar, and rest of beer. Simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Stir in bacon and season with salt and pepper.
8. Garnish with jalapeno and bacon; serve!

Recipe from From Away