A-Star-Is-Born Soup

Step 1 -In a medium-sized soup pan over medium-low heat, melt the butter.

Step 2 -Add the onions and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.

Step 3 -Add the flour and whisk it into the butter until it is smooth, golden, and the raw flour smell is gone, about 2 minutes.

Step 4 -Add 1/2 of the milk, 1/2 of the heavy cream, and 1/2 of the chicken broth to the butter mixture and whisk until totally smooth.

Step 5 -Gradually add the remaining milk, the remaining heavy cream, and the remaining broth to the mixture.

Step 6 -Bring the soup mixture to a boil, while stirring often, and boil, while stirring, for 1 minute.

Step 7 -Transfer the soup pan from the heat.

Step 8 -Add the chicken, the ham, the mustard, 1/4 cup of the parsley, and the cheese to the soup mixture and stir until the cheese is completely melted.

Step 9 -Taste the soup for seasoning and add the salt and the pepper, as needed.

Step 10 -Serve immediately topped with the croutons and garnished with the remaining whole parsley leaves.