Today was a pretty good day for the Pollock family. For the first time ever, all four of us were qualified to vote. With the Canadian election just over a week away, and with both girls home, we decided to vote together in an advance poll. I’m so proud of my daughters who follow politics as closely as I do, and who wouldn’t have missed voting for anything. (I still remember my oldest daughter’s first election, when my youngest was so upset at being the only one who couldn’t vote, she refused to come out of her room.) One of my favourite parts of the day – other than the post-voting selfie – was the discussion about politics that continued on the way home and into the evening.
On the night of October 19, we’ll watch the election returns from three different residences. If we’re lucky, we’ll each have something as delicious and comforting as this wonderful soup for dinner. No matter what your political bent, you’ll love it too!
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
(from Smitten Kitchen)
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 small onion, chopped small
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup half-and-half
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 – 2 bay leaves
kosher salt
4 cups broccoli florets and stems, chopped small (about two small to medium heads)
1 cup diced carrots (1 big or 2 small)
8 ounces coarsely grated sharp cheddar cheddar cheese (note: this soup is very cheesy. You could probably cut back to 6 ounces cheese without losing any flavour – although it was wonderful like this!)
Melt the butter in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook until golden, 3 to 4 minutes, then gradually whisk in the half-and-half until smooth. Add the chicken broth, bay leaves, and salt and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
Add the broccoli and carrots to the broth mixture and simmer until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Discard the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed, but err on the cautious side with the salt because the cheese will add a bit. Puree the soup to the consistency you like – chunky or completely smooth – with an immersion blender. Add cheese, put back on the stove, and whisk until melted, about a minute.
Serve with homemade croutons or extra grated cheese (optional). The soup is also terrific just on its own.
That's a lovely selfie, Beth. The soup looks and sounds like a perfect warmer and delicious as well.
Love the picture of you all. And the soup sounds delicious and I can make it vegetarian. Will try it this winter.
Your post brings back memories of when our younger son was old enough to vote. Alas, we weren't all four together for that first casting–well, except for being on the same "page" politically!!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Best,
Bonnie
Hope the vote turns out the way you want it to. Your soup sounds good…this is the second broccoli soup I've seen with carrot. I must try it that way not only for the taste but also for a little extra color.
What a lovely family you have and sounds like your girls are very smart ladies. : ) And the soup…just yum!!
How wonderful you can all discuss politics!
I love broccoli and cheddar soups, one of my favorites.
Great soup! We always told our kids that unless you vote, you can't criticize.
A family that votes together stays together 🙂 I agree, it is a duty and a privilege.
Amalia
xo
I love broccoli soup, so homely. Hope the vote went the way you wanted!
How nice to be able to share this together! Love the soup recipe too, one of my favorites. Hope you're having a great week and enjoying fall. Beautiful here!
I'm not a big soup fan…or broccoli fan! But I'm so glad you all got to vote. How exciting!
Fun post! I've always enjoyed voting, too. Even when I'm not all that happy with any of the candidates. Have fun on the 19th — it's always exciting watching the election returns, isn't it? Anyway, great soup — thanks!
This soup sounds and look amazing 🙂
This soup sounds and look amazing 🙂
I used to just love broccoli cheddar soup. I bet homemade is just wonderful!
Oh my goodness, look at your daughters, Beth…beautiful young women! What a wonderful family photo documenting a special moment in time. 🙂
Broccoli cheese soup is one of my favorites!
That is such a big deal – voting for the first time! Wonderful that your children care enough to exercise their rights 🙂 Have a great weekend!
It is a lovely family picture, and voting is something we all should celebrate more. Can't think of a better way than with this soup, which happens to be my daughter's favorite. (Her voting choices we won't talk about!)
What a marvelous day for your family! And it's definitely soup weather and yours looks divine!!!
Dear Beth, you certainly have two very beautiful daughters – and voting is so very important – how fun that you that you created a "family event" around this day. Your soup looks like perfect fall weather fare – it has been quite cold around here, so I would not mind a bowl for lunch today.
Hope the vote turns out well for all Canadians in the federal elections on Monday!
Andrea
I still remember snapping a photo of my oldest when she voted the first time. Right in front of the precinct sign and holding up her "I Voted" sticker. Interesting the unusual things that make memories…
Writing down the ingredients. It's (yay) soup weather! Looks perfect. Love the family photo. And remember the first year both my kids could vote! Fun times!