Beer and Cheddar Soup

Ingredients

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 12 ounce can of beer (I used Labatt's, but I'm fond of things Canadian)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken stock (Note Do NOT use chicken broth! Otherwise to get the right flavor, you need to cook carrots and onions and puree them - too much work!)
• 1 1/2 cups Half and Half or cream
• 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
• 1/2 cup green onions
• Salt and black pepper

Directions

In a saucepan, saute onion in butter for 5 to 7 minutes. Blend in flour. Add beer, stock and half and half (or cream). Whisk and cook until thick. Add cheese and stir until melted. Add 1/4 cup green onions, salt and pepper, to taste. Garnish with remaining green onions and croutons (I used onion and garlic, but, hey, that's me!) and serve.