Apple and Cheddar Cheese Soup

• 1 tablespoon white peppercorns
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 2 bay leaves, slightly curmbled
• 14 cup peanut oil or 14 cup canola oil
• 4 ounces chopped ham (optional)
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 2 onions, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 tart apples, peeled,cored and chopped
• 1 cup white port or 1 cup white wine
• 6 cups chicken broth or 6 cups vegetable stock
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 12 cup flour
• 1 12 lbs shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled for garnish
• snipped chives (to garnish)

1. Tie the first 4 ingredients together ina spice bag-set aside.
2. In a large saucepan heat oil over medium heat.
3. Add the ham and veggies, saute for 5 minutes.
4. Add the apples and cover for 10 minutes, stirring often.
5. Add the port and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add the stock and herb bag, reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Remove spice bag.
8. Meanwhile fry bacon and set aside.
9. Mix together in a small bowl the butter-at room temp-and the flour.
10. Whisk into the soup.
11. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
12. Add the Cheese, stirring constantly until melted.
13. Using a hand held blender"smooth" the soup.
14. Taste and adjust with salt if needed.
15. Offer crumbled bacon and chives at the table, for garnish.

white peppercorns, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, peanut oil, ham, celery, onions, garlic, apples, white port, chicken broth, butter, flour, cheddar cheese, bacon, chives

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/apple-and-cheddar-cheese-soup-33846 (may not work)