many of you may know this already, but i am soooo not a fan of winter, cold, snow, etc.  it is just depressing to me.  especially when it gets dark around 4pm now!  ugh…ANYWAY – one positive is the food i can now make!  soups are one of my favorites so i will be sharing some of my best recipes in the next couple months!

this is pretty simple to make and has tons of flavor.  i served with pretzel bites to dunk in!  enjoy.

what you need:

3 slices bacon, chopped
1 onion, diced
1/2 red pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
2 cups of  beer (wheat beers work best)
1 cup half + half
4 oz sharp white cheddar, grated
4 oz extra sharp yellow cheddar, grated
4 oz colby jack, grated
fresh herbs (cilantro) for garnish
salt + pepper (if needed)

directions:

heat a large stock pot over medium heat and add chopped bacon. fry until crispy, then remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to drain. reduce heat to low and add onions, peppers and garlic, stirring to coat. cook for about 10 minutes, until translucent, stirring occasionally. increase heat to medium-high and add in butter. once sizzling, add flour and cook for 3-4 minutes until flour is golden. add in beer and stir constantly, cook for 5 minutes so they alcohol cooks out and the mixture somewhat thickens.
add in half and half, then reduce heat to low and gradually add cheese while stirring. stir until smooth, then fold in bacon and serve immediately. garnish fresh chopped herbs over top if desired

makes 4-6 servings.

you could serve with bread too.

come back and comment below if you try this – you won’t be disappointed!