Broccoli Cheddar Soup ala Panera Bread

I have been up to my ears in cooking, baking, cleaning, partying...Ahhhhhhh, the holidays are upon us. :) As much as I love this time of year, I am longing for those days of quietly reading and enjoying the sound of silence...(ok, now I will be singing that song all day long).

When the days have hustled and bustled you into tearing your hair out, here is the perfect recipe for you. Warm comforting homemade soup ala Panera. It is amazingly simple, and keeps me from ordering Pizza Hut again. :D

I hope you enjoy! Now, I am off to find Simon and Garfunkle music on my external hard drive and wrap the last of the gifts!

Broccoli Cheddar Soup
*1 tablespoon butter, melted
*1/2 medium onion, chopped
*1/4 cup melted butter
*1/4 cup flour
*2 cups half-and-half
*2 cups chicken stock
*1/2 pound fresh broccoli
*1 cup carrots, julienned
*salt and pepper to taste
*1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
*1 cup grated cheddar

Saute onion in butter. Set aside. Cook melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly and slowly add the half-and-half (this is called making a roux). Add the chicken stock whisking all the time. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat until the veggies are tender for 20-25 minutes. Add salt and pepper. The soup should be thickened by now. Pour in batches into blender and puree. Return to pot over low heat and add the grated cheese; stir until well blended. Stir in the nutmeg and serve.