Shelly's Recipe

CREAM OF BROCCOLI SOUP

Category: Soups

4 1/2 cups fresh broccoli, trimmed, washed and cut up
3/4 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper and nutmeg
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 cups water
1 (32 oz) carton chicken broth
4 1/2 tsp butter
3 tbsp flour
3 cups half-and-half
1 cup heavy cream, whopped
Nutmeg, garnish

In a Dutch oven, add firt 9 ingredients. Add enough water to broth to make 6 cups liquid. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Reserve broth. Puree vegetables in 1 cup broth. (I like to leave it a little chunky.)

In the Dutch oven, add butter and flour, stirring until smooth. Gradually add broth and cook over medium heat until it boils. Add vegetables and half and half; continue to boil for 5 minutes. Stir in cream. Garnish servings with nutmeg.