Broccoli Cheddar  Soup:

 Ingredients:

• 1 stick of butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 head of broccoli, florets chopped and stems peeled and chopped
• 2 cups chicken stock or broth
• 2-3 cups half and half
• 2-3 cups milk
• 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

 Instructions:

In a large pot I melt the butter and fry the chopped onions until they are soft. I add a teaspoon  of salt and pepper. Then I add a heaping 1/4 cup of flour, stir and cook for about a minute. I pour in the chicken broth and let the mixture cook until it thickens.

Next I add 2 cups  milk, 2 cups  half and half, along with the broccoli florets and stems.I let everything simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Depending on what thickness I prefer, I adjust it by adding more milk or half and half.

After the broccoli stalks have softened, I taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. To vary the consistency, I puree half of the soup and leave the other half chunky.

Then I add 2 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese.I ladle the soup into bowls and top them with crusty bread and more cheese before enjoying it hot.