Feeling "Souper"

My mother is still battling some very serious health problems. We’ve been at the hospital for the best part of the last three weeks. After several trial and error procedures they finally hit upon something that actually gave my mother some relief. My mother’s appetite has returned and her first moment of happiness came in the form of a steamy hot bowl of broccoli cheese soup. As her sense of well being improved she dabbled with great gusto into a hamburger on a grilled bun with a slice of tomato, a sprinkling of black pepper and an extra douse of ketchup (my mother loves ketchup). My mother as with most of us has always taken great pleasure and delight in all areas of food. Whether it is looking, buying, preparing, sharing or the best part of all….Eating! I too share her same passion for all that is edible but in this instance my greatest joy came from a little bowl of broccoli cheese soup and the joy on my mother’s face while eating it.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup diced celery (optional)

1 cup diced onion

20 oz. bag frozen broccoli

2 cans cream of chicken soup (cream of mushroom also works well)

1 pound cubed Velveeta cheese (or a mix of different cheeses)

Cook covered, the broth, celery, and onion for 20 minutes. Add broccoli and cook until tender. Add chicken soup and cheese. Cook until cheese is melted and soup is hot.