"Just tell me how to make the ...soup!!"

My mom has not only been a terrific mother to all three of her children, but she is truly my hero.  In the past year, she has undergone surgeries, chemo, hair loss, personal losses; and still she is a beautiful, vibrant woman. 

We were actually coming home from one of her doctor's appointments, and we were just yacking.  We started to talk about cooking, and for some reason, the topic wandered to my broccoli cheese soup.  She wanted to know how I made it, and with a smirk, I said, "Maybe you'll have to read my blog."  Do you know what this sweet little church lady said to me????  Are you ready for this?  Wait for it........

"Oh, piss on your blog, just tell me how to make the damned soup!!"  hhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaa
I just died!  The car was probably bouncing down the road.  We just looked at each other and laughed and laughed.

I know now that my mommy is feeling better.  Bless her heart; she is a treat!

Of course, I told her how to make the soup.  I am also going to share it with all of you.  It is one of my husband's favorites.  He could eat soup every night, and we do have it regularly, no matter the season.

The "Damned" Soup  (Oh, get over it.)

Ingredients:

One head broccoli steamed, cooled, and (head) chopped.  (Use the stems for something else or discard.)

1/2 stick butter
1/3 cup canola oil
1/2 cup flour
10-12 oz. chicken broth
10-12 oz. milk (I use whatever I have on hand, even skim.)
1 lb. Velveeta, cubed (I use the 2%.)
1 tsp. onion pwd.  (My hubby does not like onions; otherwise, I might use a little grated onion instead.)
salt  to taste
pepper to taste

Process:

In a heavy bottomed soup pot or dutch oven, melt the butter and oil together.

Add the flour to make a roux.  Make sure that the flour cooks.

While flour mix. is bubbling, pour in the chicken broth, quickly whisking to avoid lumps.  Allow this to come to a light boil to thicken.

Add the milk.

Add the cheese cubes.

Allow to lightly bubble to make certain that all of the ingredients have combined.

Add the broccoli.

Add the onion pwd., salt, and pepper.

Allow the soup to bubble slowly to make certain that flavors have combined and the flour has cooked.

There you have it.  Enjoy!

Notes:

• If the soup is not thick enough for your taste, take about 1/3 c. flour and a little broth or water (until it is pourable) and mix together really well.  Do not allow lumps to form.  Pour it into the hot soup and stir well.  Let this lightly bubble to allow the flour to cook.
• As the soup comes together, stir frequently with a rubber spatula so that it will not stick.  This could scorch if left unattended.
• Garnish with shredded cheese, croutons, herbs, etc. 

Now everyone knows how to make the "d" soup!  LOL....thank you mommy for this most amazing memory!

Carol Lee, I hope this made you giggle hysterically, and Bonnie, I hope it tickled you to your toes!
Family, Friends, Food, and Fun - it doesn't get much better than that!

Until next time, friends