Wisconsin Cheese and Beer Soup

This flavorful cheese soup is loaded with flavor, and smoked sausage makes it a hearty main dish soup. Serve this soup with a tossed salad for a fabulous family dinner.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter
1 pound smoked sausage, chopped
2 cups chopped onions
2 cups diced carrots
1 cup thinly sliced celery
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 bottle 12 ounces) beer
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups diced red potatoes
2 cups milk
3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon dried leaf thyme
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons sweet Hungarian paprika
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Salt, pepper and Tabasco sauce, to taste
1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions

Instructions:

In a heavy 4-quart Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat and cook sausage 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add onions, carrots and celery and cook 5 minutes. Stir in flour, coating vegetables well. Stir in flour, coating vegetables well. Stir in beer and broth and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer until soup thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Add potatoes and cook 10-15 minutes or until tender. Stir in milk, cheese, thyme, Worcestershire, paprika and tomato paste. Continue stirring until cheese is melted ans soup is smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and Tabasco, if desired. Garnish with scallions. Serves 6-8.
From JALI48, March, 1997