Bacon-Apple-Chicken Soup

1. In a large pot, cook bacon over medium-high heat. When finished, set aside on a paper towel to drain the grease and chop when cool. Reserve several tablespoons of grease in the pot.

2. Reduce heat to medium and cook the onion in the bacon grease until soft and translucent, even slightly browned.

3. Deglaze with the vinegar.

4. Remove onion with a slotted spoon.

5. Add butter to the pan.

6. When butter has melted and begins to sizzle, add the flour and whisk continuously until bubbly and light brown.

7. Add the chicken stock first, and then the milk/cream, whisking as you add the liquids to the pot.

8. Bring to a boil until soup begins to thicken. Add the nutmeg, garam masala, salt and pepper.

9. Add the onion, bacon and chicken. Continue to heat until soup reaches desired consistency.

10. Add the apple and remove from heat.

11. Ladle into bowls and top with several strips of cheese.