This is a perfect soup for a cool fall evening. Not too heavy, but still just cozy enough.
I love the combo of apples and cheddar. I think the two are a perfect match. The honeycrisp apples at Harter House are so good right now. And finally, the Cinnamon Pecan Oat Crumble really enhances this recipe. Give this recipe a try and tell me what you think. ~Shelly
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil1 sweet onion, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
2/3 cup apple cider
2 apples, chopped (I used honeycrisp)
2 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
1 (12 ounce) beer (I used pumpkin beer)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup flour (may sub gluten free blend if needed)
1 cup milk (I used 2%)
16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
8 ounces brie, rind removed + cubed
Cinnamon Pecan Oat Crumble
1 cup old fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups whole raw pecans
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
INSTRUCTIONS
To make the Crumble
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Working on a greased cookie sheet or pyrex dish, add the oats, pecans, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Add the softened butter and use your fingers to crumble it into the oats mixture until everything is moist and the butter is evenly distributed. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until crisp is golden brown and smells amazing. I like to serve this warm, so I make it while the soup simmers.
To make the Soup
Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil. Once hot, add the onions and a pinch of brown sugar. Season with a little salt and pepper. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened. At this point, slowly add in the apple cider, let it cook into the onions, add more and continue to cook. Do this until the onions are caramelized. Add the apples and thyme to the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring, until softened, 8 minutes. Add in any remaining apple cider, the beer, chicken broth and cayenne. Bring to a simmer and cook 5-10 minutes or until the apples are tender. (This is when I bake the crumble)
Meanwhile, whisk the flour into the milk until smooth. Set aside.
Once the apples are soft, puree the soup until chunky smooth or completely smooth (whatever you like). Return the soup to the stove and bring to a low bowl. Whisk in the milk mixture and boil until the soup thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the cheddar cheddar cheese and brie until melted and smooth. Simmer the soup 5 minutes or until ready to serve.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the cinnamon pecan crumble. Plus maybe some extra cheese too!! Happy slurping!
http://www.halfbakedharvest.com/brie-cheddar-apple-beer-soup-cinnamon-pecan-oat-crumble/
