SOUP NAZI-- Cream of Broccoli with Cheddar and Chicken

Making homemade soup is such a visceral experience, rewarding and believe it or not, easy to do. Not only that, but delicious and nutritious and a way to WOW the crowd. Ever watch the episode of Seinfeld's "Soup Nazi"? Well, it's that good. Stand in line for an hour good. Better yet, simmer on the stove all day good. BETTER the next day good, that is, if it lasts that long.

I never use a recipe to make soup and tonight was no different. I've been craving broccoli cheddar soup for a week, but tonight, it's whats for dinner. I used a left over chicken carcass from last night's precooked chicken (for chix Caesar salad) and added water to cover, 2 celery stalks with tops on and a tablespoon of peppercorns or so. Since it was precooked, I didn't add salt, but if it is a fresh whole chicken I would add salt to the water. Simmer for a few hours until the chicken is falling off the bone. Let sit until cool (or over night as I did) and strain. Add fresh broccoli florets to fill the liquid, cover and simmer until soft. In the mean time, saute an onion with a little olive oil in a pan. When softened, add a tsp of red pepper flakes or so. Saute 1 minute and add to broccoli and broth. Continue to cook until broccoli is very soft. Puree with a "boat motor", one of those little hand held blenders. Turn off burner and add half and half, a cup or until creamy looking. Add grated sharp cheddar cheese, like Cabot's, oh about 1 1/2- 2 cups. Add a squirt of Srirachi Hot Sauce to taste. Then add any chicken that was left from the bird, maybe 2 cups. Let sit for a few minute and serve with a loaf of crusty bread. OK, I know, I always say that, but add a hot crusty loaf of bread to any meal... well it just makes it better.

Check out the Soup Nazi on Youtube :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2lfZg-apSA

Hey, I'm coming home for the weekend...make sure you have food.

Well, sometime I just feel like my mother and I don't know if that's bad or good. My sister decided to come in from out of town and since my mom is in Costa Rica, it is up to me to whip up some amazing gastronomic delight. OK, right? But with 15 minutes notice. Chicken Caesar Salad was shot down. It's cold out and she wants a warm meal. Let her go out, you say?? Well, not here. There isn't any restaurants closer than 30 miles.

So Chicken with rice and broccoli with veloute sauce. Some butter, flour, chicken broth, egg yolk, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste-- for the sauce. Boil the chicken (with or without the bones) with salt, pepper and celery. Cook up the rice and brocolli add the chicken with sauce on top and, voila 30 minute meal that's out of this world. Not vegan, at all, but as my son says, "I eat vegan all the time, I just add other foods with it." Don't forget the baguette with butter.

OK, I'm good. Time for a nap.