Friday, November 17, 2006

Changing Seasons

Mmmm, nothing like a rich, creamy soup to warm you up on a cold, autumn day.



I stopped at Panera Bread on the way into my mother's a couple of weeks ago and got her some broccoli cheddar soup. She loved it so much I had to try and duplicate it. I've made this several times since, usually in double batches so I can freeze single servings for her.

1 large head broccoli
2 cups onion -- sliced
4 tablespoons butter
48 ounces chicken broth
2 teaspoons oregano
1/4 cup flour
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 cup milk
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese -- grated

Cut off florets and reserve. Chop stalks into small pieces. Add stalks, onions, and 2 tablespoons butter to dutch oven. Saute for 5-10 minutes until onions are translucent. Add half of the chicken broth and the oregano. Simmer for about 20 minutes, add florets and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Process in food processor or blender.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in pan, add flour and stir until smooth. Add dijon mustard and white pepper. Gradually add the processed mixture and the rest of the chicken broth. Cook, stirring, until mixture begins to boil. Lower heat and add cheese. Stir in milk and heat through.

I love the fall!











That reminds me - the autumn blanket is finished. Here's the before washing photo. I finished twisting the fringe and washed it last night.



13 comments:

  1. nd here I am looking out salad recipes... :)

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  2. Living in the land of perpetual 50 degree days and eternal green (not complaining mind you!), I do miss the dramatic colour changes. Thanks for the photos.....lovely!

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  3. Beautiful photos. Fall is my favorite time of year. Love the colors in that blanket.

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  4. carol1:17 AM

    Good sounding recipe...must try that.
    Lovely autumn colours, too. And *what* a nice photograph of a coin......

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  5. Thank you for this recipe! I'm going to make it over the weekend and freeze single servings to bring to work for lunch!!

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  6. Art imitating life? :) Can't wait to see the full version too. I will bet the colors blend wonderfully!

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  7. Yum, on the soup and the Fall color pictures! Nice blanket too, and I imagine it's all cuddly soft now.

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  8. I want to come over and eat your soup and snuggle up in your blanket. Warm and cozy and comfort food!

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  9. Beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing them. Can't wait to see the full autumn blanket.

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  10. The blanket is wonderful! Thanks for your soup recipe. I'm going to try it soon.

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  11. What wonderful pictures and what is on the loom looks pretty wonderful too!
    Yummy soup recipe! Another thing that is tasty in broccoli soup is some sour cream. It thickens the soup, adds nice texture and tastes good :-)

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  12. Yummy recipe and yummy pictures!

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  13. i love the way your weaving colors go with the photos :-)

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