Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

Ingredients

• 4 Tbs unsalted butter
• 1 well-washed diced leek
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 diced carrot
• 3 diced medium red potatoes (peeled, if desired)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme, or 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 cup slivered fresh basil, or 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 bunch broccoli, cut into bite sized florets, with stalks peeled and chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• dash cayenne pepper
• 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese