Cheddar Ale Soup
Serves 4-6

2 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only), cut into 1/4-inch dice (2 cups)
2 medium carrots, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
2 celery ribs, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 3/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth (14 fl oz)
1 (12-oz) bottle ale such as Bass
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb extra-sharp Cheddar (preferably English; rind removed if necessary), grated (4 cups)

Wash leeks in a bowl of cold water, agitating water, then lift out leeks and drain in a colander.

Cook leeks, carrots, celery, garlic, and bay leaf in butter in a 4-quart heavy saucepan over 
moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. 
Reduce heat to moderately low and sprinkle flour over vegetables, then cook, stirring 
occasionally, 3 minutes. Add milk, broth, and beer in a stream, whisking, then simmer, 
whisking occasionally, 5 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.

Add cheese by handfuls, stirring constantly, and cook until cheese is melted, 3 to 4 minutes 
(do not boil). Discard bay leaf.  Puree with immersion blender if smooth consistency is desired.