Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Panera Style

• 2 T. Butter, melted
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/2 c. butter, melted
• 1/2 c. all purpose flour
• 4 c. half and half
• 4 c. chicken broth
• 1 lb. fresh broccoli
• 2 cups, julienned carrots
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 t. nutmeg
• 16 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Saute onion in butter.  Set aside.   Whisk butter and flour over medium heat for 3-5 minutes.  Stir constantly and slowly add half and half.  Add chicken stock, still whisking.

Simmer 20 minutes.

Add broccoli, carrots and onion.  Cook over low heat until veggies are tender – about 20-25 minutes.  Add salt and pepper.  The soup will have thickened by now.

Carefully transfer soup mixture to blender and puree.  Return soup to pot (or crockpot) over low heat.  Add cheese.  Stir until well blended.  Add nutmeg right before serving.

Makes 8-10 servings.

chicken and broccoli braid

Chicken and Broccoli Braid

2 cups cooked chicken cubed
1 cup broccoli chopped
½ cup red bell pepper chopped
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
½ cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons dill weed
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
2 packages 8 oz. refrigerated crescent rolls
1 egg whit slightly beaten
2 Tblspn slivered almonds (optional)

Preheat oven 375. Mix first 8 ingredients together. Roll out both packages of rolls flat on Jelly roll pan. On longest side of pan, cut dough into strips 1 ½ apart, 3 inches deep. Spread filling down middle of rolls. To braid, lift strips of dough across mixture to meet in the center, twisting each strip one turn. Continue alternating strips to form a braid. Brush egg whites over dough. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake 25-28 minutes or until deep golden brown.
10 servings

Okay, so I know it sounds difficult. I thought so too when I first read the directions, but it is quite simple after the first time. I did not make this recipe for awhile, but now it is on the monthly calendar of meals. My kids love the rolls and sometimes they even eat broccoli. some variations i do due to my pantry are: I rarely if ever use the salt, or red peppers. You don't need to do the egg whites if I need to save time I skip that step. It just keeps the top from browning to quickly. sometimes I use almonds, just depends if I have them or not.