A White Halloween Weekend????

What a strange weather weekend!!  We had a beautiful fall day on Friday, Saturday it snowed all day (no real accumulation though) and then Sunday was back to being beautiful.  I have to say that even though it was very weird having snow in October, it was really nice.  My husband even enjoyed laying around and watching it come down and taking all kids of pictures (he's from Florida so you know it was pretty)!  Sometimes, it's that kind of weather that makes you stop in life....get a movie....get your favorite blankets and goodies and cuddle with your favorite people.  And that's exactly what we did.  Watched 2 movies, drank some wine, ate some homemade soup and enjoyed doing nothing.  It was great! 

This soup was OUT OF THIS WORLD!  So yummy!  My husband said it was AWESOME as he ate two bowls for lunch....then another bowl for dinner.  Ashton gobbled it up too and when Daddy was not moving fast enough with the spoon, he pitched a fit!  I would say this recipe was a family favorite and will be a keeper!  It was the perfect thing to have on a chilly day.  If you have ever had Panera Bread's broccoli and cheddar soup, it was like that but SO much better!!!  Serve it with fresh, warm bread and you have the ultimate meal!

Broccoli and Cheese Soup
*Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:1 3/4 cups chicken broth
1 small onion, diced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups 2% milk
1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, preferably sharp or extra sharp
1/2 cup shredded swiss cheese
2 1/2 to 3 cups chopped, lightly steamed or blanched broccoli (To make my life way easier, I bought the steamer broccoli and microwaved two bags of the broccoli florets, chopped them and added them in).

DIRECTIONS:Simmer chicken broth and chopped onion for 15-20 minutes in a covered small saucepan, until onions are soft. Heat milk in microwave for 1-2 minutes. In a separate medium-sized stockpot, melt butter then add flour, salt and pepper. Cook together, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes, then whisk in warmed milk. Stir and heat together on medium heat until soup starts to thicken, about 5-8 minutes. Add warmed chicken broth and continue to stir until well blended. Add cheeses and stir until completely melted. Stir in seamed broccoli. Add more salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Serve immediately in bowls or bread bowls.