1/2 lb. bacon, fried crisp and crumbled
1 onion, minced
1/2 c. carrots, minced
1/2 c. celery, minced
12 c. chicken broth (2 lg. cans)
6 tbsp. butter
1 1/2 c. flour
2 c. half and half
A pinch of soda
1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cut in pieces
1/4 tsp. liquid smoke (optional)
1/2 tsp. pepper
Salt to taste

Saute the onion, celery and carrots in butter until they are soft. Add the flour and stir well. Add the chicken broth and cook 5 minutes. Add the bacon and slowly stir in the cheese. Add the half and half and the soda and take off the heat. Season with the rest of the ingredients. Do not overcook, or heat over 160. (Ham may be substituted for the bacon.)