Bacon-Topped Cheese Soup

6 slices Bacon chopped
1/2 cup Celery finely chopped
1/2 cup Carrot finely chopped
1/2 cup Onion finely chopped
1/2 cup Green pepper finely chopped
1/3 cup All-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Pepper
2 cups Half-and-half
1 cup Milk
1 can Clear chicken broth 14 oz
2 cups Cheddar cheese shredded

Place bacon in a 3 qt. casserole; cover and microwave at HIGH 6 to 9 minutes or until done. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, reserving drippings in casserole; set bacon aside. Add vegetables to drippings; microwave at HIGH 6 to 8 minutes or until tender. Blend in flour, salt, and pepper; stir well. Gradually stir in half-and-half, milk, and chicken broth. Cover and microwave at HIGH 7 to 11 minutes or until thickened and bubbly, stirring at 2 minute intervals. Add cheese, stirring until melted. Cover and microwave at MEDIUM 2 minutes. Top each serving with bacon. Serves 9.