Apple Cheddar Soup

I'm not sure where I found this recipe.  It has been in my "big binder" of recipes for a long time.  I really like it and I think you will too.

1/2 stick butter
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into small cubes
1/2 large onion, chopped
6 McIntosh apples, peeled, cored and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup milk
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup flour
3 cans (14.5 oz. ea.) chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded cheddar


Garnish:  1 McIntosh apple, cored and chopped into small cubes

In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.  Add potato and onion; cook until potato is tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in food processor, puree together 6 apples, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper.

Stir flour into sweet potato mixture; cook, stirring for one minute.  Stir in chicken broth, salt and apple puree.  Bring to rolling boil over high heat; boil 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

With a hand blender puree ingredients in saucepan until very smooth.  Whisk in cheese until melted.

Garnish with chopped apple at serving.