Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli Cheese Soup (serves 4)

1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups half-and-half
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 pound fresh broccoli
1 cup carrots, julienned (I didn't have carrots on hand so I omitted this)
Few shakes of hot sauce (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
8 ounces grated sharp cheddar

In a large pan, saute (medium heat) the garlic & onions in the butter, salt and pepper. Set aside. Cook melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly and slowly add the half-and-half. Add the chicken stock whisking the entire time. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Add the broccoli, carrots, onions & hot sauce. Cook over low heat until the veggies are tender for 20-25 minutes. Add salt and pepper. The soup should be thickened by now. Pour in batches into blender and puree. Return to pot over low heat and add the grated cheese; stir until well blended & serve!

Enjoy!

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts & 3 boneless skinless thighs
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, mashed
• 1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (I use the refrigerated pre minced kind)
  
• 2 cups water
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 small bag frozen corn
• 1 handful chopped cilantro

Topping:

• tortilla chips
  
• sour cream
  
• sharp cheddar
  

Place all the ingredients (except the toppings) into the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours. Before serving, remove cooked chicken, shred and add back into soup. Don't forget to take our the bay leaf too! Top with desired toppings.

I don't really like chicken so before I add the shredded chicken back into the soup, I make myself a bowl, sans chicken.

Hubby's reaction, "Mmm, this is Ahh-mazing." I'd say this recipe's a keeper :)