Potato Cheese Chowder

Well, it's about 100 degrees here in the LA area and it has been for a while now... so what do I do? I make some nice warm cheesy vegetable soup like a crazy person. I just couldn't help myself! I've been wanting to make this soup for a while now. Adapted from this recipe, this cheesy chowder is delicious. I can't wait to make it again when the weather cools down a bit.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 large baking potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 2/3 cup half and half (or milk)
• 2 cups chopped broccoli
• 2 heaping cups shredded cheddar cheese

Start by chopping all of your vegetables.

Melt the butter in a large soup pot and saute the carrots over medium heat until tender. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Add chicken broth and potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender.

Mix flour with water, add, and simmer until the soup thickens a bit. Add half and half and broccoli and cook until broccoli is tender and soup is heated through.

Stir in cheese, allow to melt, and serve.