Smoky Bacon Cheddar Broccoli Soup

• 1 med. onion, grated with large holes on grater
• 3/4 cup butter or margarine
• 8 strips Hickory Smoked Bacon, drippings reserved
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 6 cups milk
• 4 cups broccoli, chopped
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 3 cups total smoked cheddar and smoked gouda cheese, shredded
• 1/8t.each of nutmeg, cayenne/ chili powder, pepper garlic powder (or to taste)

1. In a skillet fry the bacon until very crisp. Place onto paper towels to drain. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the bacon drippings.
2. In large soup pot saute the onion in reserved bacon drippings & butter until tender.
3. Stir in flour, salt and pepper to taste, cook and stir until smooth and bubbly. Add broth and milk all at once; cook and stir until the mixture boils and thickens. Add broccoli. Simmer, stirring constantly, until heated through. Add nutmeg, cayenne, pepper garlic powder. Remove from the heat and stir in cheese until melted.
4. Add crumbled bacon .

onion, butter, hickory, flour, chicken broth, milk, broccoli, carrot, total smoked cheddar, nutmeg

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/smoky-bacon-cheddar-broccoli-soup-50003451 (may not work)