Broccoli Cheddar Soup

1/2 cup butter
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup flour
2 cup half-and-half
2 cup milk
4 cups chicken stock
1 lb fresh broccoli, chopped
2 cup carrot, shredded and chopped
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cardamom
16 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces grated Colby jack cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Saute onion and garlic in butter, add flour stirring constantly.  Whisk in half and half, milk, and chicken stock, bring to almost a boil.   Add broccoli and carrots and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add seasonings, then cheeses; simmer for another 10 minutes.

Serve in bread bowls if you want to feel like you've died and gone to heaven. 

From http://www.mangiodasola.com/2009/11/broccoli-cheddar-soup.html