Cheri's Cheesy Broccoli Soup

1 tablespoon melted butter

1⁄2 medium chopped onion

1⁄4 cup melted butter

1⁄4 cup flour

2 cups half-and-half cream or partial milk

2 cups chicken stock (I used veg base for the stock)

1⁄2 lb fresh broccoli (I left some broccoli huge to puree and some bite size)

1 cup carrot, julienned

2 stalks celery optional (chopped or left big for the blender)

1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg

½ ts dry mustard optional

8 ounces grated cheese (I use half sharp cheddar and half a milder cheese)

salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS

Sauté onion in butter. Set aside.

Add the stock. 

Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat 20-25 minutes.

Purée about 1/2 in a blender. Return to heat. 

Cook melted butter and flour in a separate pan using a whisk over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly and add the half & half.  Add cheese and salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in nutmeg.

Serve with crusty bread and Enjoy :).