Apple, Bacon and Cheddar Soup

By á-2421

Ingredients

• 6 strips bacon
• 1 cup each chopped onion, celery and carrot
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups chopped, peeled tart apples
• 1 cup apple cider
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups grated old cheddar cheese

Details

Servings 6

Preparation

Step 1

In skillet, cook bacon over medium high heat until cooled through but not crisp, about 7 minutes. Break into pieces and set aside.

Drain all but 2 Tbsp of fat from pan. Return pan to medium high heat. Add onion, celery and carrot and cook, stirring often until onion is tender and golden about 8 minutes. Stir in thyme, salt, pepper, bay leaves and apples. Cook for 5 minutes. Stir in cider and broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottome of the pan. Bring to boil, reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook 15 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes. remove bay leaves and blend until smooth.

Whisk in cheddar until well blended. May need to heat soup to incorporate cheese completely. Serve in warmed soup bowls, topped with reserved bacon.