Peppery Corn Soup

Ingredients

• 6 bacon slices
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 pound all-purpose potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups fresh corn
• 1 tablespoon minced and seeded canned jalapeño peppers (wear gloves when handling; they burn)
• 1/2 cups shredded low-fat cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro, flat-leaf parley or chives