Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Name: Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup butter; 1 yellow onion (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (finely chopped or minced); 1/3 cup all purpose flour (or plain flour); 2 cups low sodium chicken stock (good-quality ); 3 cups half-and-half (or evaporated milk or regular milk); 3/4 teaspoon salt (or more to your taste); 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper (or more to your taste); 1 teaspoon vegetable stock powder (or chicken bouillon powder); 1 teaspoon mustard powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 pound broccoli florets (cut into small pieces); 2 large carrots (peeled and grated ); 2 cups low fat sharp cheddar cheese