Broccoli Cheese Soup {Delish Dish Recipe 8}

I used to HATE broccoli. Then I got married to a man who loves broccoli. (Which by the way is one of the few vegetables really likes, haha.) So, I developed a taste for them, and eventually liked them. I then discovered broccoli and cheese together and fell madly in love. haha. Thus this recipe is a staple in the Gaines house hold.
This recipe claims to be a Panera Bread copy cat recipe, which I do think it is, but Josh and I like to make it not as smooth as Panera does. So, here is my alteration.

 Broccoli Cheese Soup | Delish Dish 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients:

• 1/2 medium onion
• 1 tbps butter
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups half and half (or 1 cup half and half 1 cup skim milk)
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 pound fresh broccoli florets (or a pound of regular broccoli with the stem cut off)
• 4-5 carrots
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 8oz grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• (optional) 4 Medium french round bread. (I usually get the loafs from Whole foods, they are about $.129 each)

Directions:

1. Prep all your veggies. Chop onion into small pieces. Chop broccoli into small pieces. Julienne carrots or chop into small pieces
2. Saute onions in 1 tbps of butter until onions are clear. Set aside.
3. In a large stock pot melt 1/4 cup butter.
4. Once butter is melted add flour, mix for 3 minutes.
5. Slowly add in half and half. Make sure you keep mixing the whole time.
6. Slowly add in chicken stock. Making sure you keep mixing the whole time.
7. Let simmer on low heat for 20 minutes or until mixture has thickened. Stirring every 3-5 minutes.
8. Add broccoli and carrots. Cook on low for 25 minutes. Stirring every 3-5 minutes.
9. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Go easy on the nutmeg.
10. (Optional) If you like your soup smooth without any chunks place soup in blender and puree. Josh and I like it chunky so we skip this step.
11. Add cheese until all the cheese has melted.
12. (Optional) Prep your bread. Using a bread knife cut a small whole in the top of the loaf. Pull out top like you would a pumpkin top. Set top aside for eating if you choose.
13. Serve warm in bowl or optional bread bowl.

I originally found this recipe http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/2012/05/copy-cat-panera-bread-broccoli-cheese-soup-recipe/