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A Closer Look at Winter Damage

But first, take a look at this gorgeous rainbow that we had on Friday! The five-day stretch of warm temperatures last week really jump-started the garden. Now that plants are putting out new growth, it is easier to see what kind of damage the winter left. Back in mid-January, we experienced five straight days of below-freezing temperatures. This caused much damage in Portland and areas where frigid winds were a factor. Here, we were fortunate to not get the wind and the cold temperatures were dampened by a blanket of snow. That said, it was a tough time for the garden and there are noticeable casualties but no outright deaths that I have seen. The bottlebrush ( Callistemon 'Woodlander's Red') did not like the cold at all. It was planted six years ago, in the north-facing garden no less, and I've not experienced die-back on it until now. A local expert said to cut it all the way back so that is what I did. If it doesn't make it, I won't be too distraught. It is

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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