Best of the Best Broccoli and Cheese Soup

A combination of the top three broccoli soup recipes on food.com. I liked different aspects of these three recipes, so here's what I came up with. Was a hit here! Was too good not to write down, so here it is!

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 onion, chopped
• 1  stalk celery, chopped
• 1  carrot, julienned
• 2  garlic cloves, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup butter
• 1⁄4 cup flour
• 2  cups half-and-half cream
• 2  cups chicken broth
• 2  heads broccoli, chopped
•  salt and pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1  cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

1. In a large sauce pan with a little bit of butter, saute onion, celery, carrot and garlic.
2. In another small pan make a rue with butter and flour; cook down for about 3 minutes over medium heat.
3. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in half and half cream.
4. Return to medium heat; add chicken broth and broccolli.
5. Cover and bring to barely a simmer.
6. Remove from heat and blend with hand blender.
7. Return to heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
8. Remove from heat, add salt and pepper, nutmeg, and cheddar cheese.
9. Stir cheese in and return to low-medium heat until heated through.
10. Serve and enjoy!