Holiday Recipe:

Broccoli Soup with Cheddar Cheese (or Cauliflower Soup or Asparagus Soup)

> Save the stems from the broccoli until you have at least 3 good size ones

> Peel them and cut into pieces

> Boil until tender in salted Chicken Stock (chicken broth will work, but it does not make a soup that is as flavorful)

> When the broccoli is fork tender, pour into a blender with the liquid and run until completely smooth

> Pour back into the pan and add as much grated extra sharp cheddar cheese as you like and allow cheese to melt

> Taste for salt and add pepper

> Add a splash of heavy cream or milk

Suggestions: A little cream cheese or a Laughing Cow cheese wedge will melt in soup and add a nice creamyness. You might want to substitue that for the heavy cream.

A great way to get someone to eat their veg's if they don't like them. Mix it with cheese -- they'll eat it then.

Also good with cauliflower stems or asparagus stems if you only like the taste of the tender tops.