Panera's Broccoli and Cheese Soup

So nothing exciting is really happening at the Ramos Hacienda, unless cleaning, sterilizing, taking temperatures, giving meds and then doing it all again is fun to you. But due to the sickness I am home bound except to take Kaden to school. He seems to be finally over this yucky epidemic that has hit our village. Kaden's teacher said this sickness has gone from grade to grade. Apparently, the kids have learned how to share! I hope that they all get over this fast and stay healthy. Yesterday, church had 3 kids out of around 18, all the rest were sick! From all my reads on Facebook, this is going around the world too. It amazes me how fast germs can spread!

With so much time at home, I have been trying out new recipes for myself. No one ever said that just because your husband and kids are sick and can't eat fancy food, doesn't mean you have to eat Ramen noodles all week too. So I have been experimenting. Some have turned out great! Others..... I won't make again! I posted that Pizza recipe and I have made that one twice now! It was delicious! I also made some Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup. It was fantastic! I will definitely make it again! I was excited it turned out so well, I just wish my food critic (Keith) was feeling better to give me his critique. All he told me was his taste buds were shot! Well that doesn't help me a lot! Oh well, I enjoyed it and with a slice of fresh bread.... yum!!!  My 2 little boys were not great fans but that is because Kaden doesn't like Broccoli and Isaiah doesn't like melted velveta cheese...... so go figure with a broccoli cheese soup. But they did dip their bread in it and at some of it. Kaden said "Mom, I would really like this soup if the Broccoli wasn't in it!" hahaha Can't please everyone! =) But I pleased myself with the turn out. Here is the recipe for Panera's Broccoli Cheese soup. Try it out! It is super easy and super delicious!

Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup
2 TBSP butter
2 TBSP Flour
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup Half & Half
2 (14.5 oz) cans Chicken Broth
1 (16oz) package frozen chopped broccoli
1 cup Julianne cut carrots or shredded carrots
1 pound loaf Velvetta cheese
8 oz shredded Cheddar Cheese
salt and pepper to taste. ( i didn't add salt because the cheese is already salty)

In a large sauce pan, melt together butter and onions on low to medium heat. cook a few minutes to cook onions a bit. Add flour and mix well. Slowly add Half & Half a little at a time while whisking till thickened and smooth. When incorporated add Velvetta and stir till completely melted. Add broccoli and mix. Add Broth one cup at a time mixing well. When mixed well, add carrots and simmer about 20 minutes. During the last 10 minutes of cooking add the cheddar cheese. Serve when all the cheese is melted completely. Serve with some warm bread.

*Note: This makes a pretty big batch of soup.