Wisconsin Cheddar, Swiss And Beer Soup

Servings: 12

Ingredients:

2 cups diced onion
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
1/2 cup flour
2 quarts milk
2 bay leaves
3 cups (12 ounces) shredded medium Cheddar cheese
3 cups (12 ounces) shredded aged Swiss cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 pinch nutmeg
1 1/2 cups pale ale

Cooking Directions:

Sauté the onion and garlic in butter until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the flour; cook, stirring frequently, over medium heat, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the milk. Add the bay leaves; cook, stirring constantly, over low heat until the mixture thickens, about 20 minutes. Stir in the cheese gradually; cook just until the cheese melts. Remove from the heat. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg; remove the bay leaves. Stir in the beer.