| | *bouquet garni: |
| 1 | tb | White peppercorns |
| 3 | | Sprigs fresh thyme |
| 2 | | Bay leaves |
| | (above all tied together in cheesecloth) |
| 1/4 | c | Peanut oil |
| 3 | oz | Ham scraps; and/or 1 ham bone |
| 1 | | Stalk celery; diced |
| 2 | | Cloves garlic; minced |
| 2 | | Onions; diced |
| 8 | | Tart apples, peel, core and quarter (Granny Smith) |
| 1 | c | White port |
| 6 | c | Chicken broth |
| 4 | sl | Bacon, for garnish (apple- or hickory-smoked) |
| 1 | sm | Red apple, for garnish (such Red Delicious) |
| 1 | sm | Tart green apple, for garnish (as Granny Smith) |
| 1 | | Lemon; juiced |
| 4 | tb | Unsalted butter; softened |
| 1/4 | c | All-purpose flour |
| 1 1/2 | lb | Sharp Cheddar cheese; grated |
| | Salt; to taste |
| | Tabasco; to taste |
