Apple Cheese Soup Recipe

• 1 Tbsp. White peppercorns
• 3 sprg fresh thyme
• 2 x Bay leaves (above all tied together in cheesecloth)
• 1/4 c. Peanut oil
• 3 ounce Ham scraps, and/or possibly 1 ham bone
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 2 x Cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 x Onions, diced
• 8 x Tart apples, peel, core and quarter (Granny Smith)
• 1 c. White port
• 6 c. Chicken broth
• 4 slc Bacon, for garnish (apple- or possibly hickory-smoked)
• 1 sm Red apple, for garnish (such Red Delicious)
• 1 sm Tart green apple, for garnish (as Granny Smith)
• 1 x Lemon, juiced
• 4 Tbsp. Unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 c. All-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 lb Sharp Cheddar cheese, grated Salt, to taste Tabasco, to taste

Directions