Mmm Panera!

Our Sundays lately have been very routine, church, PANERA, and grocery shopping. A Sunday simply can't be a Sunday now without Panera. I'm obsessed I think...We usually get the "2 for 2" special that they have which is just perfect. The brocolli and cheese soup is what keeps me coming back, I wish I could get their recipe for it...I think I might scour the internet and see what I can come up with. It's very nice to be home relaxing on a Sunday afternoon-even if my relaxing includes cleaning and doing laundry. Getting those things done makes me feel more organized for the upcoming week. We will also be doing some more packing because our closing date is only NINE days away! Holy cats I had better get busy!

Here's a recipe I did find on the Panera site, I am going to try it until I can get the broc./cheese recipe!

Hearty Cheese Soup in Sourdough Bread Bowls

A thick, creamy soup loaded with chopped vegetables is the perfect thing to ladle into freshly baked Sourdough bread bowls from Panera Bread.

5 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup mushrooms, chopped
1/2 cup cooked ham or bacon, chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 cups chicken broth
4 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1 pound sharp cheddar cheese
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 Panera Sourdough bread bowls
In a large, heavy stockpot, melt butter or margarine. Add chopped vegetables and ham or bacon and cook over medium heat until vegetables are slightly tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in flour and cornstarch. Cook, stirring constantly, about three minutes. Add broth and continue stirring until slightly thickened. Add milk and spices. Add cheese gradually, stirring until cheese is melted. To avoid curdling, do not allow soup to boil after cheese is added. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve piping hot in a hollowed Sourdough bread bowls.
Makes 6 servings.