Creamy Broccoli and Pea Soup

Creamy Broccoli and Pea Soup

Having just finished a bowl of this soup for the second night in a row, I knew I couldn't wait any longer to share the recipe.  It is honestly my new favorite soup, not only because it is healthy and filling, but because it is so easy to make.  I know when my meat and potato loving husband asks me "what is in this... it is really good!" that I am on to something.  Usually when you order Broccoli and Cheddar "Soup" in a restaurant you get some glorified cheez wiz and chicken broth concoction with tiny pieces of broccoli in it.  Not exactly nutritious, or appetizing, in my opinion.  While most of the ingredients in the following recipe are full of vitamins, minerals and fiber, there is a considerable amount of cheese as well, which you could easily reduce if you are watching your weight or your heart health.  I divided this soup into five hearty servings and the nutrition information (listed below) is still not that bad.  And it is an easy way to get yourself and your family to eat their greens, and some fiber, which is always a good thing.  I love that I was able to sneak in a whole block of organic tofu for some extra protein... no one would ever know it was in there, just that this soup is extra creamy without the addition of any actual cream. Best yet?  It uses frozen vegetables, so you can make it year round, it's affordable and really easy to throw together.  You can even make it ahead and let it simmer on the stove for an hour or two which is great on a busy weeknight with kids getting home at different times and needing help with homework.  So when the weather turns cool this week, why not give this soup a try?

Nutella Cake

Nutella Cake

I love Nutella.  I know it isn't good for me, but it is delicious, and so every once in awhile I have to let go and make something incredible out of this addictive food.  I got the idea for this dessert after making both my Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Brownies and my Almond Butter Birthday Cake, and wondering what it would taste like if I substituted Nutella for the healthy nut butters and maple syrup in these recipes.  The result is this cake, which tastes as good as it looks and had my daughter exclaim that it is "the best cake you have ever made mom, ever!"  I think I actually cooked mine a few minutes too long and if you were to slightly undercook it, so it was gooey in the center, it might be even better.  But if you like fudge, and brownies and chocolate, and of course Nutella, then you have to try this cake.  It has to be better for you than simply eating spoonful after spoonful straight from the jar as I have sometimes found myself doing!

Spicy Chipotle Bean and Corn Chili

Spicy Chipotle Bean and Corn Chili

Considering I just finished the last of the portioned out meals I had in my freezer of this soup, I figured it was time to post this amazing, and incredibly spicy recipe.  I got the inspiration for this dish from the same dried beans I used in my Curried Pumpkin Bean Soup with Kale, but since I purchased black beans I wanted to make something with more of a southwest flavor.  I had never cooked with chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce before, but I had a can in my pantry and remembered hearing Rachel Ray many years ago, go on and on about their amazing smoky flavor and how it can change the whole feel of a dish.  I don't remember her saying that they are extremely spicy however, so if you are not someone who likes your food to burn a little then you could definitely leave them out and replace them with some smoked paprika or a different type of pepper.  The greatest thing about this recipe, is that it is literally the most clear cut "throw everything into the pot, cover and wait" concoction I have ever made.  I don't think I even stirred the soup once, since I left the house to take my daughter to a birthday party all afternoon the day I made this.  I just stirred together all of these amazingly healthy ingredients together in my crock pot, turned it up to high and walked away.  And about six hours later, dinner was ready.  My favorite way to eat this is with a generous heap of plain Greek yogurt (about 1/3 cup per cup of chili), but it would also make a fantastic dip, especially as part of a layered dip for a party perhaps, or on top of nachos.  It made a lot as well, so I had many meals individually portioned out in my freezer which is fantastic on a cold rainy day like today.  Now I will just have to make myself another batch!