English Country Cheddar Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup rendered chicken fat
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped leek
1/2 cup flour
3 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup white wine
2 carrots, peeled and cut into julienne strips
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
cayenne pepper, to taste
salt, to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream
chopped chives, for garnish

Preparation

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, heat butter (or chicken fat) until melted, then add onion and leek. Sweat until tender, stirring often, then sprinkle in flour and stir well to incorporate. Cook for 3-4 minutes to eliminate the raw-flour taste, then whisk in broth and wine until smooth. Add carrots, then bring to a boil and simmer 15-20 minutes, until soup thickens.
Off-heat, add cheese, Worcestershire, cayenne, and salt. Stir until cheese is melted and soup is smooth. Stir in cream and cook until just heated through. Do not let it boil, which could break the soup. Garnish with chives and serve.