Cheese soup with toasties

Method

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes until softened but not brown. Add the carrots and potato and cook for 5 minutes. Pour in the stock, bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, until tender. Remove from the heat, liquidise in batches and return to a clean pan. Set aside.

2. Meanwhile, make the toasties. Preheat the grill to high. In a bowl, mash the Cheddar with the walnuts and cider and spread on the bread. Arrange on a baking sheet and grill for 4-5 minutes until golden and set.

3. Stir most of the cream into the soup and reheat gently (don’t let it boil). Add the cheeses, stir, and season to taste. Remove from the heat. Divide between bowls and top with a drizzle of the remaining cream, if you wish. Serve with the toasties.