Make Something Monday ... Beer Cheese Soup

Another amazing recipe that I could actually make from my foodie friend Chef E at Food ~ Wine ~ Fun and her yummy recipe Beer Cheese Soup in Bread Bowls. This is great when dad comes to visit and leaves beer in my fridge. I'm not a big beer drinker and either is Rick so of course I can't throw away so I make dinner with it! This was amazing and so delish and the beer totally cooked out so it wasn't like sitting back pounding one. LOVED it!

European Street Style Beer Cheese Soup

1 cup onion chopped
1/2 cup carrot finely diced
1/3 cup celery finely diced
1/2 cup butter
3/4 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
12 ounces beer
3 cups chicken broth up to 5 cups if desired.
4 cups cheddar cheese shredded
2 cups half and half
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco
1/2 cup Flour
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Chef E's Directions:

Sauté carrots, onions, and celery in butter until the onions are translucent

Stir in flour and cook on low heat for 3-4 minutes, whisking constantly, making sure it does not burn.

Stir in beer (must be first to cook off the alcohol), paprika, mustard, Worcestershire, and broth. Use wire whisk to smooth. Add cheese, slowly bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Feel free to mix up the cheese or a use a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar and Parmesan, sharp cheddar and colby-jack, or whatever. Tonight’s blend was some of the smoked cheeses that I cold smoked last week, including mild cheddar, white cheddar, and fontina.

Remove from heat and fold in half and half (or heavy cream if you want to get that first heart attack out of the way tonight). Add Tabasco. Serve w/ extra Tabasco on the side and fresh popcorn as garnish.

ALEXIS NOTES: I didn't have carrots or celery at that time (I made this one a few months back and wasn't so good with having veggies on hand all the time). I did have some potatoes and threw those in! Chef E has lot's of fancy cheeses too on hand this girl used what was on sale at grocery store. One day I'll experiment and have some fun cheeses to play with. It was so yummy even with what I had on hand ;). I used my fat free half and half and it tasted great.

A Surprise in the Mail ...

So this week I've been sick and just not feeling up to par. So I must apologize for the lack of funny post. Believe me I have a few to share but I just can't focus enough to sit and write it up. I did want to share a beautiful package I got this week for my friend Chef E @ The Behind the Wheel Chef she is on amazing person and a personal chef on top of it! I've been blessed to find great people here that come and read my craziness and actually take the time to comment. I totally appreciate you all and I promise by next week we'll be back to our regular program :).

Back to where I started yup I'm a mess! Chef E sent me this amazing package, it brought a smile to my face! I just had to share! Thank you again E, Love ya! And thank you so much to all my other wonderful friends here that give me support and lot's of great comments that make me giggle! Muah and Hugs to you all!

A sweet note with instructions.

Yup I'm a dork and hey she's a professional chef!

Because she knows how crazy my life is and how much I LOVE my crockpot! Especially since I found crockpot liner. Hello can you say easy clean up!

My mom does this and I just LOVE it.
She always writes notes in books she gives me.
I love to go back years later and read her notes!
Sorry you get a pick of the candy already open.
I couldn't wait ... LOL

And some yummy Sambar Masala (Indian Spice)

See why the instructions ... LOL