1 1/2 cups diced carrots
1 1/2 cups diced onion
1 1/2 cups diced celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups chicken broth
12 oz. beer (I used ale but a lager would be fine too)
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup flour
¼-1/2 cup mashed potatoes-optional
3 cups milk or half and half
6 cups shredded sharp cheddar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard
dash of hot pepper sauce-optional