::Because of our nippy weather (it’s supposed to go down to -7° tonight - yes, that’s minus), a nice hot soup or chowder does the trick. The following recipe is easy to make, tasty and quite warmly filling:

 

Broccoli & Mushroom Chowder

2 LBS fresh broccoli

½ C water

1 C butter or margarine

1 C all-purpose flour

4 C chicken broth

4 C half-and-half

8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced

1 tsp. salt (optional)

¼ tsp. white pepper

 

Cut the broccoli into ½” pieces; steam in a pot of water or an electric steamer (do not drain). Set aside. In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the flour. Cook, stirring constantly, for about two to four minutes; do not brown. Stir in the chicken broth and bring just to a boil. Turn heat to low; add the half-and-half, mushrooms, broccoli with cooking liquid and the seasonings. Heat through but do not boil. Makes six servings. (From Taste of Home: “Family Favorites”).