Birthdays and Broccoli

First, and foremost...

Happy 30th Birthday Jo!

Photo courtesy of Bob Ross, I

My sweet sister-in-law, JoJo is joining the Dirty 30 club today! Here's hoping you have a wonderful day from your family in Birmingham! We wish we could be there to help you blow out your candles! xoxo

Now, onto broccoli. {Quite the transition, eh?}

I hate broccoli, along with most other vegetables. It really is awful. And, it's really going to stink when I decide to start eating cleaner (New Year's Resolution for 2011, perhaps?). The only time I can eat plain broccoli is if I load it with salt. And, well, that just defeats the purpose. But, last night I decided to try a Broccoli & Cheese Soup recipe, and it actually turned out yummy. I'm sure you've made this before... but, if not, here's the recipe {along with some really cool pictures. NOT.}

Ingredients:

1/2 c chopped onions

14 oz frozen broccoli florets

2 14 oz. cans chicken broth

8 oz. Velveeta, diced

2 t olive oil, 1/2 c milk, 1/4 c corn starch, 1/2 t garlic powder

Bacon Bits

Directions:

1) Saute onions in olive oil in a large stockpot over med heat.

2) Add broccoli and broth and bring to a boil.

3) Slowly add cheese, stirring until melted.

4) Blend milk, corn starch & garlic powder, then slowly add to soup.

Do not spill corn starch all over the place, like so...

5) Let simmer until thickened.

6) Top with bacon bits and serve!

Don't forget to include the little one(s)!