Unexpected Cheddar, Broccoli & Potato Soup

Name: Unexpected Cheddar, Broccoli & Potato Soup
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup mirepoix (dice celery, onion, carrots); 3 cloves minced garlic; 1/2 teaspoon each minced fresh rosemary and thyme; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 pound sliced potatoes; 1 quart chicken broth; 2 ounces cooked pancetta; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons flour; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup half and half; 2 cups broccoli, chopped small; 2 cups shredded unexpected cheddar or any sharp white cheddar

Author

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup mirepoix (dice celery, onion, carrots)
3 cloves minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon each minced fresh rosemary and thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 pound sliced potatoes
1 quart chicken broth
2 ounces cooked pancetta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup half and half
2 cups broccoli, chopped small
2 cups shredded unexpected cheddar or any sharp white cheddar

Directions

Sauté carrots, celery, and onion in olive oil for a few minutes until translucent. Add in garlic, herbs, and seasoning and sauté another minute until fragrant
Add in potatoes and sauté a few more minutes. Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce to medium, and allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender
While the potatoes simmer, make the roux: In a separate pot, melt butter, whisk in flour, allow to cook a minute or so while continuously whisking. Whisk in milk and half & half. Simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken
Add broccoli to the soup, cover and cook an additional 5 minutes or so
Stir roux into soup until well combined. Stir in shredded cheddar. Add salt & pepper to taste if needed
Top with extra cheese & pancetta and serve!

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Are wooden spatulas safe for nonstick pans?

Absolutely—Pat the Spatula is a nonstick pan’s BFF! Pat won’t scratch, scrape, or mess with that delicate coating. Pat's smooth beechwood finish is gentle on all your cookware, so stir, flip, and sauté away with confidence. Pat's got your pans (and your dinner) covered.

How do I clean my wooden spatula?

Hand-wash, dry, and oil—three simple steps:

Quick hand-wash Rinse the spatula under warm water, add a drop of mild dish soap, and scrub with a soft sponge or dishcloth. Skip abrasive scrubbers—they rough up the grain.

Towel-dry right away Wood soaks up water if it sits wet. Pat the spatula completely dry, then let it finish air-drying upright or on a rack (never flat on a damp counter).

Oil occasionally When the surface looks dull or feels “thirsty,” rub in a thin coat of food-grade mineral oil or a beeswax-based board cream. Wipe off excess and let it cure overnight. This step seals the pores, helps repel stains, and keeps the wood from cracking.

What to avoid

Dishwashers & soaking: Prolonged heat and moisture can warp or split wood. Harsh detergents or bleach: They strip the natural oils and leave the wood brittle.
Resting on a hot pan’s rim: Direct, sustained heat can scorch or warp the handle.

Follow these basics and your wooden spatula will stay smooth, sanitary, and ready for years of sautéing.

Will it absorb flavors or smells?

Not Pat the Spatula's style! Pat's eco-friendly beechwood body has a tight grain that helps keep funky odors and flavors from sticking around. So go ahead—whip up garlicky pastas, spicy stir-fries, or sweet caramel. I’ll stay fresh and ready for whatever’s next. Just give me a good hand wash and let me dry out between adventures.

If you do notice a scent

1. Lemon-salt scrub – Cut a lemon, sprinkle coarse salt on the spatula, and rub. The mild acid + abrasion lifts any surface oils.

2. Rinse & dry – Wash with warm water, mild soap, towel-dry thoroughly, and stand it upright to finish air-drying.

3. Refresh with oil – When dry, wipe on a thin coat of food-grade mineral oil. This resets the odor barrier and keeps the wood from drying out. Do this occasionally (or after especially pungent dishes), and your spatula will stay smell-free for years of everyday cooking.

Can I use it for hot foods?

Oh, honey—heat is Pat the Spatula's happy place! Pat is crafted from eco-friendly beechwood, which means Pat can handle the heat without melting, warping, or getting all dramatic like plastic utensils. Stirring soups? Sautéing veggies? Pat's in. Just don’t leave Pat soaking in the sink—I’m tough, not invincible.

How long will a wooden spatula last?

With a little love, Pat thes Spatula will be your kitchen sidekick for years! Beechwood is strong and durable, so as long as you treat me right—think hand washes, no dishwashers, and the occasional oil massage—Pat the Spatula will probably stick around longer than most of your houseplants. (No shade.)