Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 medium onions, , finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 1 rib celery , finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 apple, red or green, cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice

Directions

  1. Melt the butter in a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery and thyme and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft but not brown, 10-12 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook 3 minutes. Whisk in the broth, cider and Worcestershire sauce; increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and simmer, uncovered, until thickened and the vegetables are very tender, 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool 5 minutes.
  2. Transfer the soup to a blender and puree. Return to the saucepan and stir in the heavy cream and mustard and heat over medium until hot, about 3-4 minutes. Add the cheese and salt and stir until melted and smooth. Divide among bowls and garnish with chopped apple.