10 November 2011

'tis the season... for broccoli

Broccoli
There's this place about six minutes from my house that sells produce cheap. I mean CHEAP. Like, bell peppers are twenty-five cents and tomatoes are four for a dollar.

Organic it's not, but fresh and local it is, and I happily buy it all summer.

These crisp autumn days, they have broccoli for seventy-five cents and cauliflower for a buck fifty. If that's not an invitation to make a steaming, creamy soup, I don't know what is. So here is just such a soup for your enjoyment. (It has received the husband's thumbs up. Cream cheese will do that.)

I heart crucifers. And things I can freeze. I'm planning to make several pots of this in the next few weeks and freeze as many jars as I can; it will be perfect for busy winter days.

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Cream o' Crucifer Soup
(based on a recipe at Streaming Gourmet)

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic
6 cups chicken or beef stock
4 cups chopped broccoli
2 cups chopped cauliflower*
1 teaspoon salt
4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature

1) Melt butter over medium heat in soup pot. Add onion and garlic. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until onion is softened, stirring occasionally.
2) Add chicken stock and bring to boil. Add broccoli, cauliflower, and salt; cook for 5-10 minutes or until tender.
3) Puree soup in two batches. Stir in cream cheese and let melt, pureeing again if necessary (sometimes the cream cheese doesn't want to melt smoothly). Serve warm.

*Or you can just use 6 cups of broccoli.

{image credit: hermanturnip}

4 comments:

  1. Rebekah --

    I don't know if you remember me. I was a class or two below you at Hillsdale (though I know we took at least Schlueter's class on )

    First, I really enjoy your blog, and have for a while. There, I said it. Finally.

    Second, if you have time... I was wondering if you could give me some advice/information. I remember that while you were at Hillsdale, and at least for some time after graduating, you taught classes to homeschool students online. Eric and I are expecting, and we're looking for a supplement to our income. Finding a teaching job (or any job) in southern California, which might as well be known as the welfare state, is rather difficult, especially when you're eight months pregnant. I was wondering if you have any advice or thoughts on online teaching or tutoring -- how did you get started? what sorts of computer/internet devices did you find helpful or necessary (I'm not great with technology)? How long did it take you to find students? etc. Any advice or tips would be appreciated!

    You can email me, if you'd like, at wendycoykendall@gmail.com.

    Best,
    Wendy

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  2. Oh, my goodness. What a good idea. I hate cauliflower, but in a soup I would not notice it.

    Also, I think your blog redesign is pretty, and fall-appropriate. :)

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  3. Ah, a stalker comes forth! :) Yes, I remember that we both drank a lot of hot tea on very cold mornings in Schlueter's class. ha.

    I love giving advice (a little too much?) and sure, I'd be happy to share. Why don't you go ahead and email me.

    silver . laurel . tree @ gmail .com

    [take away the spaces and you'll have it]

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  4. p.s. congrats on the expectation :)

    ReplyDelete