Savory Cheese Soup

Ingredients

• 3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) chicken broth
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 celery rib, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cold water
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed and softened
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (12 ounces) beer, optional
• Optional Toppings: croutons, popcorn, crumbled cooked bacon, sliced green onions

Directions

• In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine the first eight ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours. Combine flour and water until smooth; stir into soup. Cover and cook on high 30 minutes longer or until soup is thickened. Stir in cream cheese and cheddar cheese until blended. Stir in beer if desired. Cover and cook on low until heated through. Serve with desired toppings. Yield: 6-8 servings.