Asparagus Cheese Soup

This really warms your tummy on a chilly day.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Yields: 2 quarts

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup butter or 1⁄4 cup margarine
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2  teaspoons salt
• 1  teaspoon pepper, to taste
• 6  cups milk
• 4  cups fresh asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces, cooked and drained
• 3  cups  shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1⁄8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter.
2. Add flour, salt, and pepper; stir until smooth.
3. Gradually add milk and stirring constantly, bring to a boil.
4. Boil and stir 2 minutes.
5. Add asparagus and stir until heated thoroughly.
6. Add cheese, thyme and nutmeg.
7. Heat until cheese is melted, stirring frequently (do not boil).
8. Ladle into individual serving bowls.
9. Sprinkle with extra cheese is desired.