Creamy Broccoli Soup

OK, so it's got a lot of vegetables other than broccoli in it, but this recipe has been a big hit any time I've served it.  It's also a *great* way to get nutrients into someone who isn't feeling well.

You can thin it a little (if it's too rich for someone convalescing) by just adding some milk instead of cream or half & half, and the flavor doesn't suffer a bit.  I don't recommend over seasoning the soup, because the blend of vegetables really makes up most of the flavor profile in the dish.

Cream of Broccoli Soup

1 bunch broccoli (2-3 stalks) diced into small florets -add as much stalk as desired

4 stalks celery with lots of leaves - chopped

2 large leeks - diced (both white and green parts)

2 carrots - diced

6-7 large mushrooms - chopped

3 bay leaves

marjoram to taste

2 cans vegetable broth (or chicken)

1 can water

Combine all above and simmer covered until vegetables are tender.

Then:

1/3 c butter

1/3 c flour

2 c half & half

Melt butter in saucepan.  Add flour and cook 1-2 minutes. Slowly add half & half and mix until smooth, slightly thickened.  Pour into vegetables and heat.  **If you have a hand blender, using it to chop the veggies down a little further before adding the creamy mixture makes for a smoother soup.