Broccoli and Cheese Soup

I do not know about the rest of you, but I love Cream of Broccoli soup. It was one of my favorite soups growing up and, incidentally, it was the only real source of vegetables I would get for some time. Every time my family and I went to a local family restaurant I would order this soup without hesitation. Over the years my mom and I attempted, without success, to recreate this bowl of soup. We tried several times and it never happened for us. I've been thinking recently about attempting it again. However, I decided to make it with a slight twist. Like many of you know, I love cheese! I have had some amazing bowls of Broccoli Cheese Soup throughout the years and thought I could attempt this recipe, instead of the evasive Cream of Broccoli Soup. It turned out awesome!!!

Recipe adapted from Emeril Lagasse

Here are the ingredients you will need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced yellow onions
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced thinly - about 3 cloves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • if you want to kick it up a notch, add an additional 1/4 teaspoon
• 5 cups chicken stock, low sodium
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:

• Heat the olive oil in large stockpot over medium heat
• When it is hot, add the onion, garlic, salt and cayenne pepper
• Saute until the onions are soft and translucent [about 5 minutes]
• Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil

• Once stock is boiling, add the broccoli and cook until fork-tender - another additional 5 minutes
• Remove the soup from the heat and let cool slightly
• Then puree the soup, adding the cheese in a couple of batches
• Adjust the seasoning if necessary and serve hot!

Homemade Crackers!

This was a great dish! Nick and I were both kind of skeptical at first, but after tasting it all fear blown to pieces! This will likely be part of our permanent rotation of soups; but more importantly it gave me the confidence to attempt Cream of Broccoli soup... the soup I hold so dear to my little heart!

*Check back later for the great Homemade Crackers recipe!

Until Next Time,
Happy Cooking!!