I mentioned beer soup on irc and folks were interested in the recipe. This is the customization of a recipe we found in a book.

Beer Soup

2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoons parsley, chopped
1/4 tablespoons thyme
3 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup milk
2 cups Belgian Golden or other strong ale - we liked smoked porter
2 16oz. can of small white beans, rinsed
2 16oz. cans of whole kernel corn with liquid
1 32oz. can of crushed tomatoes
2 cups chopped ham
1 pound block of Gruyere or sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Saute the celery, onion, garlic, parsley, and thyme in the butter until
soft. Stir in the flour and cook for 5 minutes. Add the milk and beer.
Stir constantly until thick.

Pour mixture into crockpot. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes and ham. Cook
on low for at least 4-6 hours, do not boil. We like putting it in a crock
pot and letting it cook overnight. Add the cheese 15 minutes before serving
stirring it in once it has melted.

Best served with chunks of crusty, fresh bread like sourdough.

Serves 4-6