Peppery Corn Soup

Ingredients

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