Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup

I found a recipe that claimed to be a copycat of Panera's broccoli cheese soup so I had to try it!  I added a little extra in the veggies department which made it thicker than Panera serves it.  Jeff and I also like a little extra cheese but we added that individually to each bowl.  Try it out and tell me what you think!

Ingredients

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• 1 tbls. butter, melted
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups half & half
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 lb. fresh broccoli
• 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
• salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, I used 8 oz. to start and then adjust for cheesiness.
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How to make it

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• Saute onion in 1 tbls. butter.
• In another pan, cook melted butter and flour , whisking over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
• Slowly add half & half while continuing to whisk.
• Add chicken stock, while continuing to whisk.
• Once it starts to simmer, let simmer for 20 minutes.
• Add broccoli, carrots and onions.
• Cook over low heat until veggies are tender, about 20 minutes.
• Add salt and pepper.
• Pour in batches into blender and mix or use immersion blender.
• Return to pot and over low heat, add cheese, stirring until well blended.
• Stir in the nutmeg.

Recipe courtesy of http://www.grouprecipes.com/65970/copycat-panera-bread-broccoli-and-cheese-soup-in-bread-bowls.html