Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Soup with Wholesome Whole-Grain Bread

This soup was inspired by a soup that I use to get at a restaurant when we lived in Ohio.  I've found recipes for Broccoli Cheddar Soup, but never a Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Soup.  I was hungry for it so I thought that I would give it a shot.  I found a few different recipes and ended up deciding to take a Cheddar soup and modify it.  It really turned out great.  I made a Wholesome Whole-Grain bread that was slightly crunchy on the outside, but soft on the inside.  Perfect to be served with soup.  I started the bread first and then started the soup after I got the bread into the oven.  It was really great timing.

Wholesome Whole-Grain Bread:

In a large bowl, place:
3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup unprocessed bran
2 tsp honey

Add over the top:

2 cups boiling water

Let that stand for 30 minutes. Then, add:
2 tsp canola oil
2 tsp salt
4 1/2 tsp active dry yeast (2 packages)

Place mixture in mixer fitted with dough hook attachment.  Mix on low speed.

Add flour 1/2 cup at a time until a stiff dough form and then Kneed dough until smooth and elastic. 
3-4 cups all-purpose flour (I think I used a total of 3 3/4)

Place dough in a large greased bowl turning to coat.  Cover and let rise in warm place for 1 hour.

Punch down dough and then turn out dough onto floured silicone mat.  Shape dough into a round loaf.  Cover and let rise again for 45 minutes.

Slash the top of the loaf in a checkerboard pattern and then brush loaf with milk.

Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes.  Bread should sound hollow when tapped.  Transfer to wire rack to cool.

Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Soup:

In a large pot saute:
6 Tablespoons butter
4 small cloves of garlic

Add:
4 cups of low sodium stock (1 container)
2 cups fat free half and half
2 cups skim milk
2 cups sharp cheddar shredded cheese
2 - 10 oz. frozen broccoli  pieces thawed
Salt & Pepper to taste
12 oz. package of kluski noodles or other egg noodle

Bring to a boil and then simmer on low until noodles and broccoli are tender.  This can be served garnished with some additional cheese if desired.