Cheddar Cheese Soup

Ingredients:
- 1 lb. sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 lb. bacon, diced
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 c. carrots, chopped
- 1 c. onions, chopped
- 1 c. celery, chopped
- 3/4 green pepper, chopped
- 3 c. chicken stock
- 4 1/2 c. milk
- 1/2 c. water
- 2/3 c. flour
- 1/2 c. heavy cream
- salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
- Saute bacon in butter until crisp and brown.
- Remove bacon and drain.
- Add vegetables to bacon drippings and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is transparent.
- Add vegetables to soup pot with stock and water.
- Heat to boiling and simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Scald milk over medium heat.
- Combine cheese and flour mixture.
- Cook and stir until cheese melts and mixture thickens.
- Add to soup pot with cream.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Heat to serving temperature.
- Garnish with parsley, croutons or paprika if desired.
- Serves 6.