Broccoli Cheese Soup

My sis in law told me about this recipe blog and said everything she makes is absolutely delicious. Well I checked out Mel's Kitchen Cafe and it really did all look so yummy! So I made my 2 week menu (thanks Stevie!) using tons of her recipes. Tonight I made this Broccoli Cheese Soup with the Divine Breadsticks from her blog (posted below) and it was a FABULOUS dinner for a rainy day. I doubled the soup recipe so we could have plenty of leftovers for this rainy week.

Note from Mel: To make my life easier, while the soup is coming together, I put the chopped broccoli in a large glass bowl, cover with saran wrap and microwave for about 3-4 minutes. It cooks perfectly and just in time to add it to the soup.

*Serves 4

1 can chicken broth (about 1 3/4 cups of broth) - I did 3 cups water w/ 3 chicken bullion cubes
1 small onion, diced
1/3 c. flour
1/4 c. butter
Pepper to taste (I used about 1/2 teaspoon)
2 cups 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

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 and pepper. Cook together for a couple of minutes, then whisk in warmed milk. Stir and heat together on medium-high heat until soup starts to thicken. Next add chicken broth and continue to stir until well blended. Add cheeses and steamed broccoli. Serve immediately.