Broccoli Cheddar Soup

 Ingredients:

7 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided 

1/2 Tbsp olive oil

1 small yellow onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

3/4 tsp smoked paprika

3/4 tsp ground mustard

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

salt and pepper to taste

6 Tbsp white flour

4 cups broth

3 cups half and half

1 bay leaf

6 cups chopped broccoli

2 cups shredded carrots

12 oz cheddar cheese, best to use high quality and shred yourself

Method:

Heat 1 Tbsp butter with olive oil.  Saute onion for 5 minutes.  Add garlic and spices, cook 1 minute.  Add the rest of the butter and sprinkle flour over until thick.  Gradually add broth while whisking.  Add the broth, half and half, and bay leaf, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add broccoli, and carrots and simmer for 20 minutes.  Blend half of the soup at this point if you prefer.  Turn off heat then add the cheese and once its melted throughout, serve warm.   Serve with sourdough rolls.