BBC Soup

Two soups commonly seen here in the midwest are broccoli and cheese, and beer and cheese.  My brother, Gary, had the bright idea to combine the two into Broccoli, Beer & Cheese (or BBC) soup!  This is my version.  It's tasty by itself, and makes the best tater tot casserole base!  It also freezes and reheats well.

Note:  All amounts are approximate, this is one of those recipes that I dump stuff in until it looks/tastes right!

 1/4 cup butter
1 small/medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup flour
1 bottle beer
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup chopped carrot
2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
2 cups half & half
2 cups cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter in a large stock pot.  Add onions and cook until transparent/slightly caramelized.  Whisk in flour.  Add beer, stock and carrots; simmer 15-20 minutes, until carrots are cooked but not soggy.  Add half & half and broccoli, simmer another 5-10 minutes until broccoli is tender.  Add salt, pepper, and cheese; stir until cheese is melted.