Almost like Quizno's

So my husband doesn't like soup, but he LOVES Quizno's Cheddar Broccoli soup. So I searched the good 'ol World Wide Web for a knock-off recipe and you know... it's almost a dead ringer! I would LOVE to have the actual recipe, but will settle for this... because it really was super yummy! You can have in a regular 'ol bowl, but we highly recommend a sourdough bread bowl! I bought a package of 2 at WalMart for 2.50 ... not a bad deal and they were really good! Just carve a circle in the top like a Jack-O-Lantern in the works, pull out the lid, and remove a bit of bread from inside and you're good to go!

Cheddar & Broccoli Soup

1 medium onion, sliced
2 T butter
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 c flour
1/2 c butter
1 quart half-and-half
2 cans (14 oz each) chicken broth
1 lb broccoli, washed, cut
2 c fresh carrots, grated
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
salt & pepper, to taste
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Sauté the onions in butter. When onions are golden, stir in the garlic and cook for 3 more minutes. Remove onions and place in a medium mixing bowl along with the carrots and broccoli.
In large soup pot melt the 1/2 c of butter and slowly add flour stirring consistently over medium heat for about 4 minutes (to make a roux). Continue to stir consistently and slowly add the half-and-half about ¼ C at a time.

Add the chicken broth, continuing to whisk consistently. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add the broccoli, carrots & onions, and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes.

Salt and pepper to taste. Pour in batches into blender or food processor. Return to pot & add the grated cheese until well blended. Put on low heat and stir in the nutmeg.