Cheddar and Apple Soup - Challenge Dairy

Ingredients

• ¼ cup Challenge European Style Unsalted Butter (½ stick)
• 1½ cup chopped onion
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper (optional)
• ¼ cup flour
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (10ounce)
• 1 Granny Smith apple
• sprigs of fresh thyme