Savory Cheese Soup

Ingredients:
45 oz broth
1 small onion, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
2 Tbs butter
1 tsp salt
1/3 c flour
1/3 cold water
1 (8oz) pkg cream cheese
2 c shredded cheddar cheese
1 (12oz) can beer (optional)

1.  In a slow cooker, combine the first eight ingredients.
2.  Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
3.  Combine flour and water until smooth; stir into soup.
4.  Cover and cook on high 30 minutes longer or until soup is thickened.
5.  Stir in cream cheese and cheddar cheese until blended.  (This is a great place to use an immersion blender if you have one!)
6.  Stir in beer, if desired.
7.  Cover and cook on low until heated through.
8.  Serve with desired toppings - croutons, popcorn, crumbled bacon, green onions, etc.