Hochbrueckner Cream of Broccoli Soup

I clipped this recipe from the newspaper in 1984, which was attributed to then New York State Assemblyman George J. Hochbrueckner, who later was elected to Congress. It was my first attempt at this soup, and I find myself always going back to this recipe.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  lbs broccoli
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can chicken broth
• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 3  tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1  cup milk
• 1⁄2 cup  light cream
• 1⁄8 teaspoon  freshly grated nutmeg
• 1  dash  hot pepper sauce
• 6  tablespoons  freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Trim flowerets from broccoli and reserve. Put aside stems for another use.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine flowerets and chicken broth. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cook, uncovered, over medium-low heat, until broccoli is tender, about 12 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a heavy skillet, melt butter and saute onion until golden, about 8 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes. Stir onion-flour mixture into soup. Heat to boiling; cook until thick. Remove from heat. Add salt and pepper.
4. Transfer broccoli mixture to the container of a food processor. Process until smooth, being careful, as hot liquid will expand. Transfer to clean pot. Add milk, cream, nutmeg, and dash of hot pepper sauce. Heat slowly to boiling, stirring constantly, and remove from heat.
5. Pour into 6 flameproof soup bowls. Sprinkle each with cheese and run under a preheated broiler until lightly browned.