INGREDIENTS

* 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
* 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
* 3 cups cubed French bread
* 1 pound sliced bacon, diced
* 2 cups finely chopped celery
* 1 onion, finely chopped
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 5 cups chicken broth
* 1 (16 ounce) jar picante sauce
* 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1/8 teaspoon pepper
* 3 cups shredded lettuce

Method

1. In a Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium, heat butter and oil. Add the bread cubes; stir until crisp and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, cook bacon until crisp. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup drippings; set bacon aside. Saute celery and onion in drippings until tender. Add sugar; cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in flour; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add broth, picante sauce, tomato sauce and pepper; bring to a boil. Boil and stir for 2 minutes.
3. Just before serving, add lettuce and heat through. Garnish with the croutons and bacon.

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