Ingredients

• 5 cups chicken stock or 3, 14-ounce cans reduced-sodium chicken broth
  
• 12 ounces fully cooked corned beef brisket, chopped, or 2-1/2 cups chopped deli franks
  
• 1 8 - ounce can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
  
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
  
• 1 -2 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
  
• 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon, crushed
  
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
  
• 1 bay leaf
  
• 1/3 cup cold water
  
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  
• 2 large carrots, coarsely shredded
  
• 12 ounces process Swiss cheese slices, cut up
  
• 1 cup shredded natural Swiss cheese (4 ounces)
  
• 1 cup whipping cream, half-and-half or light cream
  
• Rye Bread Croutons (see note)