Irish Pub Soup (From 365 Easy One Dish Meals)

• 1 lb bacon, cut into 1-inch strips
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped celery top
• 2 large leeks, washed and thinly sliced (white and tender green parts)
• 4 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans beef broth
• 6 cups water
• 12 ounces ale
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, ground
• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley

1. In a 6 quart saucepan, brown bacon over medium heat until crisp, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and discard all but 2 T of the fat.
2. In same pan, combine carrots, celery tops, leeks, potatoes, broth and water. Cover and heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to medium, cover and cood 35-40 minutes until all vegetables are soft.
3. Reduce heat to low, using an electric immersion blender or hand mixer (on medium speed) beat together all ingredients until smooth, about 5 minutes. Discard any debris that collects on beaters.
4. Stir in ale, salt, nutmeg and pepper. Cover and cook over low heat 5 minutes. Just before serving stir in cheese and parsley.

bacon, carrots, celery top, leeks, russet potatoes, beef broth, water, ale, salt, ground nutmeg, black pepper, cheddar cheese, parsley

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/irish-pub-soup-from-365-easy-one-dish-meals-508312 (may not work)