Broccoli-Asiago Cheese-Ham Soup

It is hot, creamy and steamy, and feels oh, so good going down, and even better staying put. Broccoli Cheese Soup is a staple that has grown in popularity and remains one of the most comforting of all comfort foods.

This simple, rustic (how did food become "rustic") soup is very easy to prepare, and is often adopted by newly weds and people just learning to cook. Add this delicious broccoli cheese soup to your repertoire of recipes, and you will impress your in laws, the boss, friends and neighbors effortlessly.

Broccoli & Asiago Cheese Soup
1 bunch of broccoli
1 cup of milk
1 cup of heavy cream
1 cup of chicken broth
1 can of condensed cream of celery soup, plus 1 can of water
1 large block of cream cheese
3 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 cup of diced smoked ham
1 cup of Asiago cheese, shredded*
salt and pepper to taste
* 1 (additional) cup of Asiago cheese, shredded to garnish each soup bowl

Wash the broccoli carefully, removing any leaves, and coarsely chop. In a vegetable steamer or saucepan with about 1 cup of water, steam the broccoli until it is bright green and tender. Drain.

In a blender, add the broccoli, cream cheese, Asiago cheese, garlic, salt and pepper. Pulse slowly until the mixture is almost pureed.

Add the milk, cream, broth, cream of celery soup and ham. Pulse a few more times until it is smooth and creamy.

Pour the entire mixture into a large saucepan or small stockpot, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring constantly.

Serve the soup in individual soup bowls or cups, and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Asiago cheese on top while the soup is still piping hot. This soup is wonderful with toast points or garlic bread and a small salad.

Serves 4

Easter and Passover Blessings to Everyone!