Broccoli-Cheddar Soup

This is just like the broccoli-cheddar soup at Panara Bread! Its so super delish! You can add to bread bowls for extra yumminess!

6 T butter
1 sm onion, chopped
1/4 c flour
2 C half-half
3 C low sodium chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1/4 t nutmeg
salt/pepper
4 c broccoli florets
1 large carrot, diced
2 1/2 c grated sharp yellow and white cheeses

*Melt butter in lg pot. Add the onions and cook until tender, about 5 min. Whisk in the flour and cook until golden, 3-4 min then gradually whisk in the half-half until smooth. Add broth, bay leaves, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to med-low and cook uncovered until thick, approx 20 min. Add broccoli and carrot and cook until tender, 20 min. Discard bay leaves. Puree the soup (in batches if needed) until smooth; you'll have flecks of broccoli and carrots. Return to the pot and add the cheese to soup, whisking until smooth. Add 3/4 c water if soup is too thick.