Thursday, December 9, 2010

Sadness and Broccoli Cheddar Soup

I am having a sad day. A very sad day. Sad days call for comfort food. Even if I don't feel like eating.

My sister M sent me this recipe. Today seems like the perfect day to make it.

Panera Bread's Broccoli Cheddar Soup: (serves 4)


1 TB Butter, melted
1/2 medium onion diced
1/4 c butter
1/4 c flour 
2 c half and half (M uses 1 cup half and half and 1 cup milk)
2 c chicken stock
1/2 lb broccoli (fresh or frozen)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 tsp nutmeg
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Saute onion in the 1TB butter until soft.  Add the 1/4 c butter and when
melted, add the flour.  Wisk over medium heat for 3 - 5 minutes.  Stirring
constantly, slowly add the half and half.  When incorporated, add the
chicken stock, continue stirring.  Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring
every few minutes.  Add the broccoli and cook over low heat until tender,
about 20 minutes.  Add salt and pepper.  Use a hand immersion blender to
chop up the broccoli.  ( I don't completely blend it - I like small chunks
of broccoli).  Add grated cheese and stir until melted and combined.  Stir
in nutmeg.  Serve with crusty bread.


Eat on a sad day. Repeat as often as necessary.

12 comments:

  1. Sad days do call for cooking I think. Chopping the vegetables and sauteeing and the process is soothing even if you don't end up eating it.

    Unfortunately, my most soothing favorite is ramen noodles made like noodles, not soup with peas and velveeta cheese.

    I really hope that made you laugh.

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  2. I love both broccoli and cheese so it has to be yummy. Thanks and I hope the sadness leaves you quickly.
    Odie

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  3. Indeed. Nothing cures the blues quite so quickly as happy memories, and comfort foods bring those on in floods. Eat up!

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  4. Instead of half and half....or milk....use heavy whipping cream...........thicker and richer and oh my word delicious!

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  5. Thinking of you today...and now craving soup.

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  6. You never know from one day to the next, or from one minute to the next. At times I feel like I will be o.k. and the next thing wham! it hits me like a ton of bricks. I eat chocolate and lately kraft dinner. No, not together, well, sometimes.
    Your soup recipe looks scrumptious - I like adding nutmeg to cheezy veggies.
    Hugs

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  7. Have a nice big bowl. Thinking of you.

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  8. Oh, I really need a good broccoli cheese soup recipe. Can't wait to try it.

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  9. Sometimes you need to embrace the emotions. Curl up with your soup and sadness. Sending you warm thoughts.

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  10. Comfort in a bowl. I also turn to soup when I'm feeling blue. I think it's because my grandmother and my mother always had pots of soup on the stove. It makes me think of them and feel like I'm in a warm and loving kitchen. Thank you for sharing this recipe.

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  11. Have you ever read the book Tear Soup by Pat Schweibert? Your post reminds me of it. I wish I could write something to make you less sad. Take care.

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Wow. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I love feedback... what with being a cook and all. I will respond to your comments via email (if you do not have a "noreply" address or here, below your comment) As always, Bon Appetite!

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