Broccoli Chowder with Cheddar Cheese Toasts

Ingredients:

• 2 strips bacon, chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed (or minced)
• 1/2 tsp celery seed
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 4 small potatoes (red-skinned if possible) quartered/chopped
• 1/2 head broccoli (about 10 oz)
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 baguette (or other hard crusty bread) sliced into 8 pieces
• 4 oz cheese (cheddar preferred), cut into 8 pieces

Directions:

Cook the bacon in the butter until it renders slightly, about 2 minutes. Add onion, garlic, and celery seed and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Scatter flour over mixture and stir to coat. Gradually add broth and milk, whisking/stirring until smooth. Add potatoes and broccoli stem, raise heat to medium, simmer 5 minutes. Add florets and season with 1/2 tsp salt. Continue cooking uncovered at a rapid simmer until veggies are tender. Season with salt and pepper. 

For Cheddar Cheese Toasts:

Position rack in the upper part of the oven and preheat broiler to high. Spread Dijon on each piece of bread and top with cheese slice. Broil until cheese melts. 

Serve and enjoy!

***This recipe courtesy of Food Network's website, with minor adaptations.***