Broccoli-Cheddar Soup | Life is a Palindrome

Ingredients

• 4+ tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 pounds broccoli, florets roughly chopped into 1-inch pieces, stems peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed (about 2 tsp.)
• 1 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
• pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. salt
• 5-6 cups homemade chicken broth
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda (optional; see below)
• 2 ounces baby spinach (2 loosely packed cups)
• 3-4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (3/4-1 cup)
• 1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated fine (about 3/4 cup)
• Ground black pepper