Snow Days

Old Man Winter decided he wanted to make a dramatic entrance here in Indiana this past week. Dumping over a foot of snow between Wednesday and Thursday, forcing schools to close for 3 days and the city to kind of shut down for a good 24 hours. We are still digging out as of today- If the city plows are reading this-I'm looking at you and would love if my housing addition could be on your list soon!

The minute the forecast threw out words like Winter Storm Warning, the grocery stores became mad houses. Oh, and the gas stations! They were 4 cars deep when I stopped in on Tuesday! But the stores definitely took the brunt of the panic buying. Add that on top of the already bare shelves we've been dealing with for weeks now, and it was definitely a "take what you can get" situation. 

Soup aisles were emptied quickly, and who can blame us? When the flakes are falling, school is cancelled and it's a good ole fashion snow day, nothing tastes better than a big pot of soup! Something warm to come inside to after building that snowman, sledding or just shoveling for the umpteenth time. 

We love broccoli cheese soup and I have a few versions I make, including a terrific copycat of Panera's. This one has quickly become a favorite with it's use of fresh broccoli and the Crock Pot doing it's magic. 

I feel like this is where I need to add a disclaimer to this for you. We all know the price of everything is up these days, and fresh produce is something I've noticed costing more every single week. The 4 crowns of broccoli I used in this cost me close to $8- and that was at Aldi! For someone on a strict grocery budget that can take your breath away. Add in the cream and shredded cheese, I completely understand if you can't just swing this shopping list right now; but maybe watch for sales and treat yourself when you can! 

Crock Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup is creamy, delicious and makes a great half in a soup and sandwich combo supper on a cold night, especially if you're having a snow day!

Crock Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

5 cups chopped broccoli, about 4 large crowns, finely chopped

1 medium yellow onion, diced 

2 celery ribs, diced

5 cups chicken broth 

1/4 cup cornstarch

2 TBS butter

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

4 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

salt and pepper

Add chopped broccoli, butter, celery and onion to Crock Pot. Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix cornstarch with chicken broth and pour into Crock Pot. Stir well. Cook on LOW 4-6 hours. Add cream and stir well. Add cheese in batches, stirring between each. Cook on HIGH for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and incorporated. Garnish with extra cheese if desired.

Shared at Weekend Potluck