Here you go Claire. This is for 10 servings (we got 3 very large bowlfuls from it but both agreed we could have done with a smaller portion)
1/2 pound bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 medium red onion, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
3 celery ribs, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken stock
4 cups milk
3/4 pound grated white cheddar cheese (Dad used mature English cheddar)
1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt, and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/2 cup warm beer
Chopped scallions or chives, for garnish
- In a 4 or 5 quart Dutch oven, cook the bacon, stirring over medium heat about 5 minutes, or until lightly browned
- Add the red onion, celery and butter, and sauté until the onion has softened, about 5 minutes
- Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 4 minutes over medium heat. Whisk in the chicken stock and bring to a boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the milk and continue to simmer for 15 minutes. Do not boil after you add the milk.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth. Stir in warm beer. If the soup is too thick, add some warm milk.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives
For the authentic EPCOT experience let off loads of fireworks in the back garden a couple of hours later.
Hope you enjoy it.