Keto Cheddar & Broccoli Soup

We are officially through our home school year!  My, that went by quickly!  Now that it's summer break and I have a little extra time on my hands, I hope to post recipes more frequently than I have been.  

It's been four months since I started on the Keto diet.  I originally intended to use it as a tool to lose the extra weight that I put on over the winter months.  After losing the extra pounds, I decided that I'm actually going to stick with it.  It's hard to put into words exactly how, but I overall feel better mentally, emotionally, and physically while on this diet.  I feel like I have more clarity of mind, which is super important while home schooling... and working and adulting in general.  Don't get me wrong, though; I still have mom brain from time to time!  

This Keto Broccoli & Cheddar Soup came out fan-flippin'-tastic!  It's rich, creamy, and so delicious that it feels like I'm cheating on my diet while eating it!  This was my first time using xanthan gum as a thickening agent, and it worked like a charm!  

Ingredients:
Yields 4 - 6 servings

• 2 slices bacon
• 1/4 c butter 
• 2 c broccoli florets 
• 1/2 c celery, chopped 
• 1/2 c carrot, julienne 
• 1/2 c onion, sliced 
• 3 c chicken broth
• 1/2 c sour cream 
• 1/2 c half and half
• 1 tbsp spicy brown mustard 
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley 
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder 
• 1/8 tsp dried basil 
• 10 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese 
• 1 tsp xanthan gum
• Salt and pepper, to taste 

Directions:

In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.  Remove the bacon and set it aside.  Chop once cool.  

In the same pot, melt the butter.  Add the broccoli, celery, carrot, and onion to the pot, cooking and stirring for 4 minutes.  Pour in the chicken broth, sour cream, half and half, spicy brown mustard, parsley, garlic powder, and dried basil.  Bring to a boil.  

Gradually stir in the shredded cheese.  Once melted, stir in the xanthan gum.  Continue to cook and stir until the vegetables are done to your liking, and the soup is thickened to your liking.  Stir in the bacon pieces and season with salt and pepper, to taste.  

Enjoy!