Beer Cheese

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter

• 2 ribs celery, diced

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 carrot, diced

• ½ cup flour

• 1 quart chicken stock

• 2 cup heavy cream

• 10 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 8 oz. American Cheese.

• 1 Tbsp cornstarch

• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire

• 24 oz beer (dry not too sweet)

• ½ tsp yellow food coloring

• 2 tsp Tabasco

• Bay leaf 

• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme

• Salt and pepper

• ½ cup chopped fresh chives

• Freshly popped popcorn

Instructions

1. Place American Cheese in the freezer for about 30 min.  

2. Remove from the freezer and shred.  

3. Mix with cheddar and 1 Tbsp cornstarch.  Set aside.

4. In a large heavy pot, melt butter. 

5. Add onion, carrot, and celery.

6. Add bay leaf and thyme sprigs

7. Sauté until onions are translucent and vegetables are soft.

8. Stir in flour. Combine thoroughly. 

9. Cook for 5 min on medium heat.

10. Stir in 12 oz of Beer, chicken stock, and cream.

11. Stir constantly for about 10-12 min until smooth and thickened.

12. Turn heat to low.

13. Using a wire whisk, whisk in cheese mixture slowly small amounts at a time until all cheese is incorporated and soup is smooth.

14. Add Worcestershire, food coloring, and Tabasco.

15. Remove bay leaf and thyme leaf.

16. Simmer at very low heat for 10 min.

17. Taste and season with salt and pepper

18. Stir in the remaining beer.

19. Serve with chopped chives and popcorn.