Broccoli Cheese Soup

I used to love broccoli cheese soup until one day it dawned on me how awful Velveeta cheese is for you!  I never made it again after that, until I found this recipe.  Though still a far cry from being a healthy choice, this recipe is great.  The original recipe came from here: http://77easyrecipes.com/panera-broccoli-cheese-soup/.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 medium chopped onion

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups half-and-half cream (or I sometimes use 1 cup cream and 1 cup milk)
2 cups water with 2 tsp chicken bouillion
1/2 lb fresh broccoli
1 cup carrot, chopped
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
salt and pepper

Saute the onion in the 1 tablespoon butter.  Melt the 1/4 c. butter and mix it with the 1/4 c. flour to make a rouge.  Slowly add in the half-and-half.  Next add the chicken stock.  Let simmer for about 20 minutes as it thickens.  Add the broccoli, carrots, and sauteed onions.  Cook on low about 20 more minutes, or until the vegetable are tender.  Add cheese, nutmeg and salt and pepper (to taste).