Cheese and Beer Soup

1 . Stage

Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels. Crumble.

2 . Stage

Melt butter in large saucepan over low heat. Stir in onions, celery, and parsnips. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very tender, about 10 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir constantly until flour dissolves, 3 or 4 minutes.

3 . Stage

Slowly stir chicken stock and ale into onion mixture. Add bay leaves and cayenne pepper. Increase heat to medium or medium-high to slowly bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low when mixture starts to bubble; simmer uncovered until soup reaches a smooth consistency, about 1 hour.

4 . Stage

Stir heavy cream into soup; add Cheddar cheese. Continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until cheese has melted and soup is heated through, 3 or 4 minutes. Do not bring to a boil. Sprinkle bacon crumbles on soup.