Cheddar Broccoli Soup

INGREDIENTS

7 tbsp

unsalted butter, (separated)

1/2 tbsp

olive oil

small yellow onion, (diced (1 cup))

small cloves garlic, (minced)

3/4 tsp

smoked paprika

3/4 tsp

ground mustard

1/8 tsp

ground cayenne pepper

Fine sea salt and pepper

6 tbsp

white flour

container (32 ounces (about 4 cups)) low-sodium chicken stock (or broth) ((use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version))

3 cups

fat free half and half

bay leaf

6 cups

chopped broccoli crowns ((~4 large crowns))

2 cups

matchstick/shredded carrots

12 oz

high quality extra sharp cheddar cheese ((don't use pre-shredded -- it doesn't melt well in this soup))

Optional: crusty bread OR bread bowls (we love serving this soup in sourdough bread bowls!)