broccoli cheddar soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh broccoli, cut into small florets
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable stock (substitute low-sodium chicken broth)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 large white onion (about 1 1/2 cups), chopped
• 1 large stalk celery, finely chopped
• 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 1 large clove garlic, pressed
• 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 cups cold half-and-half
• 2 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste (i always use mixed peppercorns)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 cup milk, if necessary