creamy broccoli soup

Broccoli soup is one of my favorite soups, its so delicious on a cold fall day. This recipe is also delicious!!

Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- salt and pepper
- Hot Sauce
- 2 10 ounce boxes of frozen chopped broccoli *
- 1 quart of chicken stock
- ½ cup of heavy cream or half and half

- 1/4 cup cup parsley
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- 1 cup of shredded sharp Cheddar
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh chives

Directions::
- Heat a large soup pan over medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil.

- Add the bacon and cook until crisp. Remove the crispy bacon and let it drain on a paper towel.

- Add the onions, garlic and thyme to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Cook, stirring frequently until the onions are tender.

- Add the broccoli and heat thoroughly. Transfer the onions and broccoli ** to the food processor with ½ cup of chicken stock and puree until smooth. ***

- Add the pureed mixture back to the pan and then add the remaining chicken stock and cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes.

- To finish the soap add the lemon zest and juice and stir to combine. Dish up and Serve. ****

* I used fresh broccoli, about 3-4 cups.
** I added some of the bacon to the blender also.
*** Next time I will leave some out so its chunky, we prefer chunky soup.
**** I added this to bread bowls and it was delicious! My 2 y/o gobbled it up.