Creamy Broccoli Soup

This is a soup recipe I found last year. It's served at the Naborhood Bakery in Gardner Village. It's one of my favorite soup recipes.

• 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped (or grated)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 t. canola oil
• 3 cans chicken broth
• 1 c. water
• 2 sm. bunches trimmed broccoli, chopped
• 3 c. cooked rice
• 2 c. milk
• 1/2 c. heavy cream
• 1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese

Cook carrots, onion and celery in oil about 3 minutes in a large pot.
Add broth and water, stir and bring to boil.
Stir in broccoli and rice.
Reduce heat to low and simmer 10-15 minutes until all veggies are tender.
Puree if desired or leave chunky. (I leave it chunky)
Add milk, cream and cheese.
Heat thoroughly, stirring occasionally.
Serve.