The most wonderful time of the year
It’s that time of year again. The day before the official kickoff to the Christmas season. Well, at least that’s what the news people say. I start getting the Santa spirit the day after Halloween. But that’s just me. However, this recipe for Broccoli cheese soup will keep you happy while making the case for the Retail debates.
This morning, things are off to a great start before the big rush to visit 2 families, one Black Friday extravaganza, two huge football games (LSU/Arkansas and the Iron Bowl—Bama and Auburn), then back home to get our seat belts buckled for an insane month…yes only 5 short weeks…until Christmas.
So far, it’s only 9 am and Stephen has decided to fight with the tree lights. Keep in mind, the whole house has been decorated for a while. The only thing left to do is the main tree and we waited until he was off work so he could help. This is his favorite part of the pre-season stuff. He loves decorating the main tree. The tree has been up and lights on for almost 3 weeks. We have sat and watched the news by the light of that tree. We have looked at the small..tiny..bare spot where a few lights are not doing their job. And today, a very busy day ahead, he decides to fight with it. Not just twist a bulb and check the plug ins. Oh no, he whips out the charge detector thingy he uses at work to see if the fuses are working in these bulbs. He goes full body under the tree..I wanted to ask if he needed one of these auto creepers….
…but decided not to antagonize him.
We finally came to rational adult decision. Turn the tree and put the bald spot against the corner. “Remind me to fix that next year” he said.
Now, it’s off to Wal-Mart. My goal:
- some candy for a dessert
- crock pot liners
- photos to contribute to one of my favorite time sucks: People of Walmart.
I’m on a mission. I will succeed.
Now let’s get down to some burning questions:
1. Am I still eating low carb?: Yes.
2. Am I aware that I need to carb up for a marathon?: of course.
3. Am I still losing weight?: yes. slowly, but steadily.
4. Am I craving sugar/comfort carbs/ potatoes?. Nope. I made fish last night and fried a big plate of potatoes for Stephen. I didn’t want or eat them. I’m making some salty sweet treats this afternoon and I’m not craving them. It’s crazy how that works considering the huge mess I was in eating every potato/flour/sugar/sweet thing I could get my hands on.
5. Will I eat stuffing on Thanksgiving? Of course. I’m not punishing myself. That ties back into #2.
6. Will I eat dessert on Thanksgiving? You bet your sweet potato pie I will.
So, that’s the quick version of what’s been going on with me and food.
One of my favorite soups for the fall is this.
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Broccoli cheese Soup
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ pounds fresh broccoli
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup cream or 1of milk
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Melt 4 tablespoons butter in heavy medium pot over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, carrot, salt and pepper and saute until onion is translucent, about 6 minutes.
- Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, until the flour reaches a blonde color.
- Add stock and bring to boil.
- Reduce to a simmer and add broccoli.Simmer uncovered until broccoli is tender, about 15 minutes.
- Pour in cream and cheese. Stir to combine and melt. Serve hot.
I just tried out this recipe, and since I didn't have quite enough broccoli I cut the recipe in half, and unfortunately it didn't thicken...and I ended up with a sort of gritty, watery soup. It still tastes great, but I was wondering if you had any idea to solve this problem for next time?
I just made it!! it is delicious... next time I think I'll chope the broccoli smaller... I didn't have enough cream and didn't want to trade for milk so it wouldn't get to runny... I added cottage cheese instead!
Thanks for sharing the recipe!!
I was wondering if someone could let me know about how many servings this is for? This recipe sounds delicious and I have a family of eight, so I was wondering if I should double this? Thanks!
I would definitely double this. If you want to make it easy to figure the broccoli, I would get 2.5 or 3 bags of the already cut broccoli florets in the produce or use frozen broccoli florets. IBut I would double the liquid and thickening agents.
Hi, found this in Pinterest and made it, subbing veg broth since we don't eat meat. I could only really fit 12 oz broccoli in, but that was enough, I used 3/4 cup half n half and 1.5 cups of cheese and thought the texture was fine, thick and creamy. Nice to have a version without velveeta!
Found this on pinterest. Was looking for a recipe using ingredients I had on hand and without cream of anything soup. Can't wait to make it. Thanks for sharing
Making this tonight
I made this last night for our kids & the babysitter. It was pretty much like Kat said, watery and weird and sort of tasteless, with big globs of cheese at the bottom of the pot. I think the cheese needs to be added at a different step or something, but instead of trying to fiddle with it I'm just going to find another recipe. Thanks anyway.
No problem! Thanks for your feedback.
I made this and it was a bit thin, but I just added a couple TBLS of cornstarch and water, and it thickened right up. Love this recipe!
Thanks for the tip, Naomi. I did this and it was the best soup. This is now my 'go to' Broccoli Cheese recipe.
Made this tonight as needed an appetising soup using broccoli. Really lovely honestly great soup, will for sure be added to my repertoire. In making it and from the photo I was assuming I would be blitzing it but refreshingly no and I was surprised it tasted great without.
Can you tell me, is this suitable for freezing?
Thanks Elle
Loved it....easy....used celery n spinach.....no cheddar on hand used jack
Mine didn't thicken at all (it was seriously like water), so I added cornstarch... Not a good solution. It takes like extreme flour now. I wouldn't suggest this recipe. :/
this is a good soup but all i can taste is the chicken broth 🙁 and it did not thicken. Had to add for it to thicken
Made this tonight and it turned out perfect. If I were to make it again I'd definitely chop up a potato or two and mix it in. Otherwise I loved it! 🙂