Think Green for Earth Day

Earth Day is 40 years old today.  The concept for the day came from a speech given by Senator Gaylord Nelson, of Wisconsin, to a conservation group in Seattle, WA on September 20, 1969.  He soon got others involved in this environmental teach-in to stimulate participation across the country.  Today, 140 countries world-wide participate in recognizing a respect for the environment and how to save our resources.

It started off cloudy this morning and cooler, so I decided to make some soup.  This Broccoli~Cheddar Soup is quick to make and the beautiful green color should remind us to care for this Earth for our generation and those to come.

Broccoli~ Cheddar Soup

12 oz. Broccoli florets
1 small yellow onion or 1 bunch of scallions, chopped
2-3 T olive oil
2-3 cloves of garlic minced
4 cups of vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
2 cans of Cream of Mushroom soup
1 cup cheddar cheese

Place a large sauce pan on medium heat and add the olive oil.  Saute the onion or if using the scallions, like I did, add only the white parts of the onion. (Save the green parts to add after you puree the soup).  Add the minced garlic and stir.

Add the florets and saute 5 to 7 minutes.  Add the broth. (I use 4 cups of water and 2 vegetarian bouillon cubes). 

Lower heat to med/low and place the cover over the sauce pan.  Cook until the tip of a knife easily pierces the broccoli.

If you have an immersion blender, use it to puree the broccoli mixture.  If you don't, puree portions in a blender or Cuisinart and return to the sauce pan.

Add the two cans of Cream of Mushroom Soup and whisk to combine.  Cook 5-7 minutes on medium heat, then, lower heat to a simmer and add the cheddar cheese and the green parts of the scallion.  Ladle soup into a bowl and add homemade croutons, if desired.

I hope you reflect with your family on the importance of Earth Day.  Plant a tree, take a walk or a hike, or volunteer to clean up a portion of our environment.  Whatever you do, may you find peace and happiness in this beautiful world we are given.  Enjoy!