Creamy Cauliflower Chowder

INGREDIENTS

slices bacon, cooked & crumbled

2 tbsp

bacon fat (reserved from cooking process)

2 tbsp

butter

large head cauliflower, broken into small florets ((no larger than 1 inch))

1/2 cup

yellow or orange bell pepper, diced

1 cup

leeks, finely chopped (divided) (just the white & light green part of the leek (can substitute green onions))

1/2 cup

yellow onion, diced

1/2 cup

celery, diced

3 cloves

garlic, finely chopped

1 tsp

thyme, finely minced

1/8 tsp

cracked pepper

1/8 tsp

cayenne

1/2 tsp

salt

4 cups

chicken broth (1 quart)

1/2 cup

block cream cheese, 4 oz. (softened at room temp)

1/2 cup

heavy whipping cream

1 cup

cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)

1/2 tsp

xanthum gum (optional for thickening)