INGREDIENTS
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
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1 medium celery rib, finely chopped
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1 small carrot, peeled and finely chopped
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1 medium garlic clove, minced
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2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
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2 medium granny smith apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
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3 cups water
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1⁄2 cup dry white wine
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1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme (divided use)
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3⁄4 teaspoon salt (or as desired)
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1⁄8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
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1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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1 1⁄2 cups cheddar cheese, coarsely shredded
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1⁄2 cup half-and-half (can use fat-free)
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2 teaspoons lemon juice