Kristen's Broccoli Cheese Soup- Kid Friendly

This is in Kristen's regular dinner rotation because most of her children will eat it and most love it.  She has made the recipe her own.  Some of her kids don't like carrot, onion, and celery chunks so she immersible blends it before adding the broccoli and cheese.   It makes a beautiful and delicious soup.  She triples this recipe for her family of 8.

Broccoli/ Cheese Soup

4 T. butter

1 onion, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 large carrot, chopped

1/4 cup flour

2 cups chicken stock

Salt and pepper to taste

1 large head of broccoli, chopped  or broken into small Florettes and cooked in the microwave

2 cups whole milk or half and half

3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

In a large pot, melt butter and saute the onions until soft.  Add the celery and carrots and cook until soft.  Whisk in the flour and cook for  5 minutes.  Add the stock and salt and pepper and whisk until smooth.  Use an immersible blender to blend all until smooth.  Add the cheese and milk and whisk until smooth.  Add the broccoli and mix well.  Add more salt and pepper if needed.  Serve with crusty bread.