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Strawberry Tree

Since moving to Washington, I have discovered a great number of new trees. One of my favorites is the Strawberry Tree ( Arbutus unedo ). It is a four-season tree with semi-glossy evergreen leaves and lovely mahogany bark. In autumn, clusters of white flowers appear, bearing a resemblance to Lily-of-the-Valley flowers. And then there are the little fruits, which resemble strawberries that appear at the same time as the flowers. I am not sure why, but I have only seen a few fruits on ours. I don't know if birds are getting them before I see them or what happens. The fruits are said to be edible but not very tasty (to humans). This year, our tree is loaded with flowers, the most I've ever seen. Bees absolutely love it and so do the hummingbirds. The flowers usually continue to appear straight through winter, and it can be blooming even during the coldest periods of winter. Aside from the fact that I have not seen much of the colorful fruits, the major negative note is the fact tha

Broccoli Cheddar Soup



This is a great comfort food for those frigid days and we've had a lot of them lately. I don't recall where I found this recipe but I do know that I embellished it somewhat. It is very rich and filling and I like it with cornbread!

Most recipes call for celery which I don't like. I've listed it in the recipe but it is optional. Here are the ingredients I use:



* 2 cups water
* 4 cups chopped fresh broccoli
* 1 cup chopped celery (optional)
* 1 cup chopped or shredded carrots
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 6 tablespoons butter
* 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 3 cups chicken broth
* 2 cups milk
* 1 tablespoon parsley
* 1 teaspoon onion salt
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. In a large pot, bring water to boil. Add broccoli, (celery) and carrots; boil 2-3 minutes. Drain and set vegetables aside. In the same pot, saute the onion in butter until it is tender. Stir in flour to form a roue (until it is smooth). Gradually add the broth and milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil; boil and stir for 1 minute. Add vegetables and remaining ingredients. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add the cheese, stirring to melt.

Comments

  1. yummy, can i have a bowlful pleeeease?

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  2. We're having turkey vegetable soup for supper tonight, courtesy of my longsuffering spouse, but this sounds like it should be on tap later this week. Delicious.

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  3. It is one of those days. Actually one of those months that is good for soup. Lentil is on our menu today. This soup sounds yummmmy.

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  4. Oh yum!! I am going to make this, but with vegetable broth!

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  5. Sounds awesome! Definitely on this week's menu! Have you recovered from this cold and snow yet?

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  6. Broccol Cheddar soup is my favorite. Thanks for the recipe!

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  7. Beautiful and delicious sounding soup (and beautiful bowl!). Lisa, my husband cooked lentil soup today too (with chicken sausage). Great weather for hearty soup here in NC.

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  8. Another yummy recipe Phillip. I hope all your plants are OK... Your Camellias?

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  9. Looks and sounds delicious ;)
    I think this is my favorite soup, broccoli cheddar, I could eat it everyday.
    Thank you for sharing your recipe with us, yum !

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  10. One of my favorite soups. Warming and filling. I had chili all weekend and something creamy like this sounds wonderful.
    Marnie

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  11. Phillip, this is the perfect soup for these cold days & nights. I am definitely going to make a pot using this recipe. Many thanks...

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  12. This is perfect soup weather, isn't it Phillip? Your pictures look good enough to eat. Sorry, it had to be said. We are having french onion soup tonight. :-)
    Frances

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  13. I love this type of soup, it sounds so good right now!

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  14. That sounds delicious! And, it looks delicious too!-

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  15. Oh.My.God. I am going making this this weekend. I am practically salivating just looking at the recipe.

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  16. I swear, I am coming for dinner some evening. Your fault.

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