2 Fab Soup Recipes

I found both of these on Pinterest.  Have you gotten addicted yet?  I might need rehab.  The pictures inspired me to immediately jump in the car and drive to the store to pick up the ingredients.  (And that never happens.)  If I had to pick a fave between the two, it would be the Cream of Chicken Wild Rice soup.  It tastes identical to Panera's version and I'm a Cream of Chicken Wild Rice soup snob.  The Broccoli Cheddar soup is pretty close behind it.  I cringe at the butter content in both, but pretend it's not happening and make it anyway.  It's worth it.

Cream of Chicken Wild Rice Soup

•4 cups chicken stock  (I used boullion cubes + boiling water)
•2 cups water
•2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped (I used half a rotisserie chicken)
•1 pkg. Rice-a-Roni long grain and wild rice
•1/2 tsp. salt (more or less to taste)
•1/2 tsp. pepper
•1/4 cup butter
•1/2 cup flour
•2 cups half and half
•1 cup carrots, diced
•1 cup celery, diced (I omitted this, happily)

Combine broth, water, carrots, celery, chicken and rice (along with seasoning packet) in a large pot and simmer until veggies are tender. In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour mixture by tablespoon to form a roux. Whisk in cream, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Add salt and pepper. Stir cream mixture into large pot and then let cook on low for 15 more minutes.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

•1/4 cup butter
•1/2 chopped onion
•1 clove garlic
•1/4 cup flour
•1 cup half-and-half
•1 cup milk
•2 cups chicken stock (I used bouillon cubes + boiling water)
•1/2 lb fresh broccoli, chopped
•1 cup carrot, shredded and chopped
•1/4 tsp nutmeg  (I omitted this because I am not a fan)
•1/4 tsp cardamom  (I omitted this too because I dont know wtf it is)
•8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
•4 ounces grated Colby jack cheese
•Salt and pepper to taste
•Hot Sauce (optional)

Sauté the onion (and garlic) in the butter over medium heat. Then, add in the flour, stirring constantly. Add in the half and half, milk, and chicken stock. Bring to almost a boil.