cold and snowy weekend cream of broccoli soup

this weekend was a bit of a nasty one - weather wise.  so this morning, when i had bacon that was nearing the end of its life, i decided to make soup (i love using bacon in my soup bases). 

the boy requested broccoli soup and here's the result...

2 tablespoons butter

2-3 slices bacon - chopped

2 shallots - finely diced

1/4 cup flour

1/2 cup water or stock

1 stalk celery - chopped

1 medium carrot - chopped

1/2 yellow onion - chopped

1/4 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder

pinch sugar

2 bunches broccoli - cut up

1-2 cups chicken or other stock

1/2 cup half & half

4 ounces white cheddar

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

salt and pepper

melt butter in large pot (large enough for your soup).  add bacon and shallots.  cook for 5-7 minutes, slowly add flour and water, stirring continuously as you add the flour.  add celery, carrot, onion, pinch sugar and cumin.  add salt and pepper to taste.  make sure the mixture is covered in liquid and cook until veggies are soft - approximately 10-15 minutes.  add broccoli and chicken stock.  cover pot and cook until broccoli is soft - approximately 10-15 minutes.  take mixture off the burner and with an immersion blender (this is the easiest way, you can also do in food processor, but that can be dangerous with a hot mixture), blend until mixture is liquified.  add half & half, nutmeg, and cheese and place back on burner and cook until cheese is melted.  

top with homemade croutons and crumbled bacon - enjoy!