H3 Recipe: Cream of Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Warm up with this comforting soup!  The perfect addition to a salad or sandwhich combo - or even alone.  Enjoy!  Stay tuned next Monday for a sweet treat (hint: it's a recipe you've all been waiting for!).

INGREDIENTS:

1 each            Onion, chopped fine

2 each            Broccoli, bundles, rinsed, cut into florets

6 cups             Vegetable stock, broth or water

1 T.                  Onion powder

6 T.                  Fat free cream cheese

1 cup              Half and half

¾ c.                 2% Sharp cheddar cheese

½  tsp.            Salt

To taste          Ground pepper

2 T.                  Arrowroot, or cornstarch

2 T.                  Cold water for arrowroot or cornstarch (to thicken)

PREPARATION:

• In a large saucepan, heat to medium high and warm.


• Add the onions, sauté until translucent


• Add the vegetable stock, onion powder, and salt.


• Bring to a simmer, and add broccoli florets.  Let simmer for about 10-15 minutes, broccoli should be tender or easily speared with a fork.


• Remove from heat and let cool slightly.


• Add fat free cream cheese to soup, and then put in food processor or blender and process until smooth.


• Pour blended soup back into saucepot.


• Place back onto the stove and place on medium heat.


• Bring soup back up to heat, and add your thickener of choice.  Make sure soup thickens before adding next ingredient.


• Add skim milk or half and half, to achieve the creamy color.


• Turn off heat and add cheese; whisk until well incorporated.


• Taste soup before serving to make sure it has enough flavor for your satisfaction.

Number of Servings:         12

Serving Size:                       ½ cup

Total Calories:                    70

Fat Grams:                           4