Swiss Cheese Soup

Ingredients

• 4 slices lean bacon, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 rib celery, chopped
• 3 green onions, including tops, chopped
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon salt
• pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

Directions
Brown the bacon lightly in a large kettle or Dutch oven. Add the onion, celery, and green onions; and cook over low heat until soft, about 10 minutes. Add the chicken broth, rolled oats, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer slowly, uncovered, for about 40 minutes. Do not let the soup boil. Carefully puree the soup in batches in a blender; return it to the heat. Beat the grated cheese into the soup and then add cream. Simmer until hot, but do not boil. Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with a little fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot.