Cheddar and Cauliflower Soup

I wouldn't usually be making soup in July, but it might be just right for these beautiful breezy evenings that we've been enjoying this week. This recipe comes the December 2008 issue of Fine Cooking. Author Allison Ehri Kreitler writes, "This creamy soup gets its body from pureed cauliflower, though some tender whole florets are added just at the end of cooking to add texture. Sharp cheddar and cayenne give the mellow flavor a little lift."

Cheddar and Cauliflower Soup
Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients
kosher salt
½ head cauliflower (about 1 pound), cored and cut into 1-½-inch florets
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, small diced
1 medium clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon packed, freshly grated nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon cayenne
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
3 sprigs fresh thyme
4 cups grated sharp or extra-sharp white Cheddar (about 14 ounces)
freshly ground black pepper

Directions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the cauliflower until tender, about 4 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly. Trim the stems from 18 of the cauliflower pieces and cut the crowns into mini florets about ½ inch wide; set aside. Reserve the trimmed stems with the remaining larger pieces.
2. Melt the butter in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and ¼ teaspoon salt and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook until the aroma subsides, 2 to 3 minutes. Increase the heat to medium, add the flour, nutmeg, and cayenne and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Whisk in the broth, cream, and 2 cups water. Add the thyme and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cheese until melted and simmer for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
4. Remove and discard the thyme stems and stir in the larger cauliflower pieces and reserved stems. Working in batches, purée the soup in a blender. Return the soup to the pot, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the mini cauliflower florets and reheat gently before serving.

Variations
To dress up this rustic soup for a special occasion, garnish with a combination of 3 tablespoons toasted chopped walnuts, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, and 1-½ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest.