Broccoli Soup & Croutons

Since my family has had colds for the past couple weeks - I felt that a soup day was in order for one day this week. I found this one on Food TV Network - - courtesy of Pat and Gina Neely, two of my favorites on the network! :) It's very tasty and the croutons are out of this world! :)

Happy Cooking!



Ingredients

* 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
* 1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 1 carrot, chopped
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
* 1/2 cup cream
* Homemade Croutons, recipe follows

Directions

Melt 4 tablespoons butter in heavy medium pot over medium-high heat. Add broccoli, onion, carrot, salt and pepper and saute until onion is translucent, about 6 minutes. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, until the flour reaches a blonde color. Add stock and bring to boil.

Simmer uncovered until broccoli is tender, about 15 minutes. Pour in cream. With an immersion blender, puree the soup. Add salt and pepper, to taste, and then replace the lid back on the pot. Serve hot with Homemade Croutons.

Homemade Croutons:

* Day old French bread
* Olive oil
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Cut bread into cubes and place in a large bowl. Drizzle cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Mix well.

Spread seasoned bread onto a sheet pan and bake for about 15 minutes.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings