Wine and Cheese Chowder

By kathleentirpak

Ingredients

• 3 slices bacon
• 2 finely chopped yellow onions
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1/3 cup flour
• 3 peeled and cubed potatoes
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• salt to taste
• 2 cups half-n-half
• 1 cup white wine ( eg, sauterne )
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 Tablespoons chopped chives

Preparation

Step 1

Fry the bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, and set aside. Use the bacon grease to saute the onions and garlic. Reduce heat to medium, and gradually blend in the flour, stirring, until bubbly, 1-2 minutes. Add the potatoes, and bring to a boil. Add the bay leaf. Cover the pot, and cook until the potaoes are tneder. ( Can be put into the frig now, to be finished at a later time, will keep for 4 days. ) Add the pepper, salt, and half-n-half. Reduce heat to low, and add the wine. Add the cheese, and cook gently, stirring, until melted. Crumble the reserved bacon, and garnish with it and the chives.