Cheddar and Beer Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only) cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 2 cups)
• 1 tablespoon canola oil (olive oil can be substituted)
• 3 celery ribs, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 teaspoons minced or crushed garlic
• 1/3 cup Wondra quick-mixing flour
• 2 cups fat free half-and-half or low-fat milk (even whole milk can be used), divided
• 1 3/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 12-ounce bottle nonalcoholic amber type beer (regular ale can also be used)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups reduced-fat extra-sharp cheddar
• 2 large potatoes, cooked until tender in microwave and then diced

• 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked until crisp, then crumbled (optional)
• Chopped green onion

Add canola oil to a large nonstick saucepan, and heat over medium-high heat. Add leeks, celery and garlic, and saute, stirring occassionally, until vegetables are lightly cooked, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium low.

Quickly add flour and 2/3 cup of half-and-half or milk to a 2-cup measure and stir to blend well. Whisk in the remaining milk. Pour immediately into the saucepan with leeks and whisk in the broth and beer. Cook, whisking occassionally, for about 5 minutes.

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt (if desired) and pepper. Add in the cheese and diced potatoes, stirring constantly until cheese is nicely melted (about 2 minutes), while making sure the soup doesn't boil.

Ladle into 8 serving bowls or cups. Add more freshly ground pepper on top and, if desired, some turkey bacon bits and/or chopped green onions before serving.

Servings: 8
Nutritional Information: 296 calories, 20g protein, 31g carbohydrate, 10g fat, 5g saturated fat, 3.1g monosaturated fat, 1g polyunsaturated fat, 26mg cholesterol, 3g fiber, 372mg sodium. Calories from fat: 30%
Omega-3 fatty acids = 0.2g
Omega-6 fatty acids = 0.7g
Weight Watchers Points = 6

Submitted By: Kyle
Original Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution Health section