– 1 stick of salted butter
– 2 shallots, diced
– 1 large carrot, diced
– ?1 large red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tablespoons (6 cloves) crushed garlic
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
– 12 ounce can of beer, lager or pale ale
– 1 cup heavy cream or half & half
– 16 ounces (4 cups) of aged sharp yellow Cheddar cheese, grated
– 5.2 ounces Boursin or 4 ounces of a brick of cream cheese
– 1/2 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce
– Fresh crumbled blue cheese, for garnish
– Hot pretzels for dipping