I am a really weird eater. Like picky in ways that don't even make sense. I won't eat cooked fish but I love sushi. Love all kinds of duck but hate ham. Bacon freaks me out and I don't think I have ever eaten mayo. Never had a hamburger but I regularly order conch. Weird, right?
My co-workers constantly make fun of me in the teachers' lounge about my lunch time eating habits which is why they are always surprised when I come in with leftovers of non traditional foods. This Apple Cheddar Soup was one of the first things that I ever brought for lunch that caused them to all say, "You won't eat grapes but you like that?"
And yes, I do like that. I love that. It makes me inexplicably happy. What's even better about this not so mainstream soup is that it is Fall in a bowl. I feel like I should wear a sweater and Ugg boots every time I make this for dinner, even when it is actually 85 and raining out.
I personally don't find this combo to be that unusual. Apples and cheese are a traditional appetizer pairing and in the Midwest people are always pairing apple pie and cheddar cheese. This soup is just the dinner time manifestation of those two ingredients. The sweetness of the apples, the heartiness of the potatoes and then savoriness of the cheddar cheese make for a bowl of pure soup perfection.
Apple Cheddar Soup is one of those recipes that we make all the time because it is so easy but I never have/take the time to photographer it. I have been wanting to share it with you since my very early blogging days of Fall 2011. But be happy I waited until now so that my photos actually look like something you would want to eat : )
We just started getting a bi-weekly organic produce share and this past week's had the most amazingly crisp Ambrosia Apples. I don't really know what the difference is between Ambrosia apples and regular red apples but whatever it is, it is worth it. I usually use granny smith apples when I make this but you can use whatever type of apples makes you happy. If you are looking for a gluten free option you can switch out the flour for cornstarch too.
Apple Cheddar Soup adapted from Better Homes & Gardens Magazine
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 medium baking potatoes peeled and diced
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- A dash of cayenne pepper
- 1 medium apple of your choice peeled and chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1/2 cup milk (we used low fat)
- 2 tablespoons flour (or sub in cornstarch for a gluten free option)
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, more for topping if you like
2.) Stir in potatoes, cider, thyme, salt, and cayenne pepper.
3.) Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
4.) Add chopped apple, cover and simmer again for 5 minutes.
5.) In small bowl combine milk and flour and then stir into soup. Cook and stir until bubbly. Slowly add cheese, whisking until cheese is fully melted.
6.) Pour soup into four bowls and top with a little extra shredded cheese. Serve warm.
Enjoy!
