creamy vegetable soup

this is actually a recipe i got from one of my friends - i hope she doesn't mind that i am posting it online, but how could i resist - it's probably one of the best things i've ever eaten (remember, i am on a comfort-food theme). i first had it literally a year ago and recently discovered the recipe. obviously it's so good that i remembered the taste a whole year later and ended up craving it... i made it for a party a couple weeks ago and it was gone - scraped from the bottom of the pot. thanks, etta!

Creamy Vegetable Soup


1 large cauliflower, chopped
2 C. carrots, chopped
1/2 large brocolli, chopped
3 potatoes, peeled and diced
2 C. onions, chopped
4 C. chicken broth
2 chicken bouillon cubes (or 2 tsp. chicken bouillon granules)
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 stick butter
3/4 C. flour
1 quart half-and-half
8 oz. block cream cheese, softened

Put vegetables in large pot and cover with broth. Add bouillon and spices; cook until tender (I had them to boiling and reduced heat and let them cook for like 30 min.). Don't drain, set aside. In a separate saucepan, melt butter. Add flour. Slowly add half-and-half and cook, stirring constantly (this works best with a whisk) until thick. Add cream cheese (cut into chunks). Stir until cheese melts, then stir cream mixture over vegetables. Serve in bread bowls.

*This makes tons, so half it for a small family :) I like to put coarse ground pepper on top of my soup.