Brat & Beer Cheddar Chowder

Ingredients

2  tablespoons butter or margarine

1  medium onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)

1 medium carrot, coarsely shredded (1/2 cup)

3 cloves of garlic

14oz of chicken or vegetable broth

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole milk (you can use a lower-fat milk, but it may not thicken as nicely)

1 teaspoon caraway seeds, crushed

1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

10 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

4 cooked smoked brats (about 12 ounces), halved lengthwise and chopped into chunks

1 12-ounce bottle of beer

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrot and garlic; reduce heat to medium low. Cook, stirring frequently, about 10 to 15 minutes or until the onion is very soft and golden.

2. In a large screw-top jar, combine broth and flour. (If you don't have a jar you can use, just put it all in a bowl and whisk it until it's smooth)  Cover and shake until combined and smooth. Stir into the onion mixture. Add the milk, caraway seeds and ground pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Gradually stir in the cheese; reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, until cheese melts, but do not boil. Stir in the bratwurst and beer. Cook, stirring frequently, until heated through. Makes 4 to 6 meal-sized servings