Jalapeno Beer Cheese Soup

Ingredients:

· ½ pound bacon, cut into 1” pieces

· 1 yellow onion, diced

· 2 stalks celery,diced

· 1-2 jalapenos, diced

· 2 cloves garlic, minced

· 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped

· 2 tablespoons butter

· ¼ cup flour

· 1 bottle beer (your choice)

· 2 cups chicken stock

· 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

· ½ cup heavy cream

· 2 cups cheddar, shredded

· Cayenne, salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat and drain on paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings.

2. Add the onion, celery and jalapeno to the skillet and cook until tender, approx. 10 minutes.

3. Add the garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, approx. 1 minute.

4. Add the butter until melted, then add flour to create a blonde roux.

5. Add the ale and deglaze, then add chicken broth. Add bacon and cook for 10 minutes.

6. Add the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, cream and cream. Heat over low until warmed.

7. Add cheese in batches, until incorporated into the soup.

8. Season with cayenne, salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!