SLOW COOKER BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 cup butter, sliced
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 Tbsp all-purpose flour
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 (12 oz) cans evaporated milk
5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
5 cups small diced broccoli florets*
1/8 tsp dried thyme
1/2 cup heavy cream
12 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (or more to taste)
2 oz parmesan cheese, freshly & finely shredded

DIRECTIONS:

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and saute until they begin to soften about 3 – 4 minutes. Add garlic, flour and season lightly with salt and pepper then cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes. While whisking, slowly pour in evaporated milk (whisk well to smooth). Cook mixture, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken then pour into a slow cooker along with chicken broth, diced broccoli, and thyme. Cover with lid and cook on HIGH heat for 2 1/2 – 3 hours or low heat for 6 hours …