Tag Archives: carrots

Broccoli and Cheese Soup, almost like Panera’s

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(actually it’s superb)
 
I tried a lot of the copy cat recipes online and they didn’t
seem to fit.   This was my fourth experiment and I think it’s
a winner.   I brought it to a neighbor’s house and their company
gave the thumbs up.
 
You need, broccoli, 3-4 large heads, two packages of Sargento
extra sharp cheddar cheese.  You must use the Sargento. That’s
the hitch. The other cheeses don’t have the punch to hold up in
the soup. If you use a generic brand it’s just another soup.
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Julienne (skinny slice) 3-4 carrots. Cook the carrots in 1-2 cups
of chicken broth.  Meanwhile cook the broccoli in a saucepan till
soft.
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  Flour the cheddar cheese.
 
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Once a fork slides into the carrots turn off the heat put aside.
When the broccoli is cooked through and soft drain and put in
a casserole dish.  DO NOT put in a blender. 
 
Take two knives and slice the broccoli back and forth till it’s pulp.
It doesn’t take long as broccoli falls apart easily. You’re cutting it
so it going to be easy to eat in the soup and not going to be too chunky.
 
Take 32 oz of chicken broth (one box) and bring to boil in a large
pot.  Once the broth is real hot add the floured cheese, stirring with a fork
or you may use a whisk. It should blend well and become a bit thick.
Now add the chopped broccoli, and the carrots. Stir and turn the heat down
so everything blends well.  It might start to become very thick, you may add
more chicken broth to thin it but not too much.  You won’t need cream or milk, that
tends to mellow the flavor of the cheddar.
 
And there you have it, inside of an hour you’ve made a very popular SOUP.
 
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Do it all by hand and you’ll notice that texture is perfect, it’s not expensive
and warms up easily. 
 
ENJOY!!

A Greenhouse Sunday.

I don’t have a lot to report on my greenhouse.
So far it’s been mostly maintenance and watering.
Ventilation is a constant battle as it would be in
any confined space. I moved some of the stronger
broccoli plantings to larger containers.
 Because
they are comfortable with the cooler weather I put
them on my back porch. This way thrips  and
aphids won’t be an issue. 
 
 
Also I finally found some carrot seeds that are good
for container gardening. These are so cute how can
you not love them.
 
The radishes are loving their location and the peas
are thriving. I expect blossoms shortly.
 
I truly wanted to start the peppers and tomatoes
today.  However the Farmer’s Almanac gives
this advice, and it’s do NOT plant vegetables
that develop above the ground AFTER the full
moon.  It’s okay for carrots because they grow
below.  I shall obey.
The marigold seedlings  are coming along. They’re a hardy flower when
all else fails, The marigold is there.
That’s about it from the greenhouse. I hope everyone is having
a good day.

Creamed Chicken and Gnocchi Soup.

 
 
I’ve been experimenting, with smaller meals. I like to have something
homemade. Then be able later to heat it, for another meal.
This is based on the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. There are
recipes for this all over the Internet.
 
I use a cup of frozen or packaged potato gnocchis.  Boil in salted
water till they rise to the top of the pot. Remove and set aside.
 
 
 
In a large skillet,  saute half cup chopped onion
a half cup celery.  Once they are soft
I add two diced garlic cloves. 
While doing this I cook up a half cup
of shredded carrot in the microwave.
I mix it in some chicken broth it works well
for me.
 
 
 

Then  I take a cooked chicken breast (leftover from another meal)

 

Chop it to bite sized pieces

 

The carrots, onion, garlic and celery are done now, and I add about a tablespoon of flour to the

mix making a nice thick sauce.

Then add the chicken pieces, stir together,

Once this is mixed, add a 2 cups of  boxed chicken broth.  I have used my own broth but it made the

soup way too thick.  When this is done add a cup of Half and Half. Heat through. 

Add the cooked Gnocchi you cooked earlier.

 

Take some washed baby spinach leaves, chop into small piece and add to the soup.

Sprinkle some Thyme and Let it simmer on low for a litte while, so everything is warmed up.  Now it’s ready to serve.

You can top it with a little grated cheese. Although I like it plain.