Homemade soup is one of the best things to eat all year long, but it's especially delicious in the winter.

Ingredients in soup like garlic and pepper work as decongestants.

Soup can also have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation has been linked to chronic diseases like cancer, arthritis, and heart disease.

Soup is easy to digest, making it a great way to get valuable nutrients into your diet.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only), cut into 1/4-inch dice (3 cups)
• 2 medium carrots, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
• 2 celery ribs, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
• 2 teaspoons fresh minced garlic
• 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 3/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth (14 fl oz)
• 1 (12-oz) bottle ale beer
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lb extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (4 cups)

Preparation:

1. Wash leeks in a bowl of cold water and drain.
2. Cook leeks, carrots, celery and garlic in butter in a 4-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to moderately low and sprinkle flour over vegetables, then cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes.
4. Add milk, broth, and beer in a stream while whisking. Simmer, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in dry mustard, salt and pepper.
6. Add cheese, stir and cook until cheese is melted, 3 minutes (do not boil).
7. Blend with an immersion blender or a regular blender. Be careful when blending hot liquids in a regular blender, fill blender 1/2 way up and place a towel over the lid (hot liquids expand when blended).

Enjoy and Eat More Soup!