Broccoli, Cheddar and White Bean Soup

I know that soup season is coming to a close, especially since it's been in the 70s this past weekend. However, I live in Southern Indiana, where you blink and the weather does a 180, as it's supposed to do later this week. One of my closest friends had her son last week so I thought I would whip up a batch to bring to her. This is my second favorite soup to make, after my hearty tomato soup that I make a big batch of every fall.

Broccoli, Cheddar and White Bean Soup

14 oz chicken broth
1 c water
2 lbs broccoli florets
1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 c sharp cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Combine broth and water, bring to a boil and and broccoli, reduce and simmer covered until broccoli is tender, about 8 minutes

Add cannellini beans and heat through, add salt and pepper (I use seasoning salt)

Add cheddar to soup and puree in batches (I use an immersion blender, but a Magic Bullet or regular blender would work as well)