Broccoli Cheese Soup

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Have you ever had something that you liked so much that you thought about it the next day and the day after that?  I did!  My girlfriend and I went to Panera for lunch and I usually order a sandwich, but that day I ordered soup and a salad.  I had never tried Panera’s soup and ordered the Broccoli Cheese Soup – WOW – It was love at first taste!  I never imagined that broccoli cheese soup would taste so good. I was determined to replicate that soup at home and searched the internet until I found a recipe that sounded perfect … and it didn’t disappoint.  It is every bit as good as Panera’s – try it for yourself and see.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 medium chopped onion
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups half-and-half cream
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 lb fresh broccoli
1 cup carrot, julienned
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated nutmeg)
8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese (mix white and yellow extra sharp cheddar)
salt and pepper

Directions:

Sauté onion in butter. Add the rest of the butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly and add the half & half.

Add the chicken stock. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat 20-25 minutes.

Add salt and pepper. Puree in a blender. Return to heat and add cheese. Stir in nutmeg.

Source:  Food.com

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Cheesy Potato Salad – Mix it up with a non-traditional potato salad

Why not mix it up by trying another potato salad recipe instead of a “traditional” potato salad recipe.  While I still enjoy my traditional potato salad, this has become one of my favorites, it reminds me of a baked potato with cheese and bacon and sour cream goodness.  Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 pounds red potatoes, cubed
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 bunch green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 5 slices of bacon, crumbled
  • 2 stalks celery, diced

Directions

  1. Place the potatoes into a pot, and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork. Drain, and set aside to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the onions, and half of the cheese. Gently stir in the cooled potatoes. Top with remaining cheese and onions, and sprinkle bacon bits over the top.