Broccoli Cheese Soup ( like Panera)

1/2 c. ( 1 stick ) butter
1 medium chopped onion
1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
4 c. milk
4 c. chicken stock
1 lb. fresh broccoli, finelychopped
2 c. julienned carrots, cut into small pieces
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
2 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese


Place butter in saucepan and saute chopped onion over medium heat until tender.  Add flour, salt and pepper and whisk together for 2 minutes.  Slowly stir in the milk and chicken stock.  Add the broccoli and carrots.  Simmer for 30 -40 minutes, until vegetables are very tender.  (* they could also be steamed before adding to soup to speed up the process )
Stir in nutmeg and cheese right before serving.

Serves 6