Savory Cheese Soup

I love my crock pot. It makes chili. It makes lasagna. It even makes mulled wine at Christmas time. And now... it makes this delicious soup too!

INGREDIENTS

· 3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) chicken broth

· 1 small onion, chopped

· 1 large carrot, chopped

· 1 celery rib, chopped

· 1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper

· 2 tablespoons butter

· 1 teaspoon salt

· 1/2 teaspoon pepper

· 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

· 1/3 cup cold water

· 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed and softened

· 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

· 1 can (12 ounces) beer, optional

Optional Toppings: croutons, popcorn, crumbled cooked bacon, sliced green onions

DIRECTIONS

In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine the first eight ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours. Combine flour and water until smooth; stir into soup. Cover and cook on high 30 minutes longer or until soup is thickened. Stir in cream cheese and cheddar cheese until blended. Stir in beer if desired. Cover and cook on low until heated through. Serve with desired toppings. Yield: 6-8 servings.



VERDICT

This soup is perfect for winter. It tastes like the base to lobster bisque. It's terrific. Go to the store now. You won't be sorry.