Broccoli Cheese Soup

Total Time: 1 hr Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 2 (10 -12 ounce) packages frozen broccoli, chopped or 2 (10 -12 ounce) packages broccoli, cuts
• 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can broccoli cheese or 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of broccoli soup
• 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cheddar cheese soup
• 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, cut up in chunks
• 4 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or 1 cup colby-monterey jack cheese
• 3 tablespoons butter or 3 tablespoons margarine
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 4 -6 slices crisp bacon, crumbled (optional)

Recipe

• 1 put all liquid ingredients and butter or margarine in pot on med-low heat and stir occasionally to make sure everything gets blended.
• 2 while this is cooking, put frozen broccoli in a glass dish. cover with plastic or saran wrap, and microwave for 2-4 minutes, (just long enough to defrost but not to over-cook). drain broccoli. if you want to steam the broccoli on the stovetop instead you can, just don't overcook it til it gets too soft.
• 3 as the cream mixture heats up to a slow bubble, check the consistency. once the ingredients are completely melted and slightly bubbly, add broccoli, cover & simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. if it looks too thick, add more milk. if it looks too thin or watery, add a tablespoon or two of flour.
• 4 a minute or two before you serve, add the shredded cheese and stir until melted.
• 5 serve with a nice caesar or garden salad and crusty bread.