Ploughman's Soup (England)

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup light ale (do not substitute beer)
• Dash or two of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 cups crumbled Cheshire cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vidalia onion rings or slices of scallion (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large, heavy pan.
2. Gently sauté the onion until golden.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Remove from the heat, then gradually whisk in the stock and ale.
5. Return to the heat and bring to a boil. Simmer 5 minutes or until thickened.
6. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce.
7. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cheese. Stir in the remaining cheese, a bit at a time (keeping the heat low), until the cheese is all melted.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Garnish each bowl with the reserved cheese and the onions.