SOUP OF THE WEEK ~ CREAMY CAULIFLOWER SOUP & CARAWAY WHITE CHEDDAR MUFFINS

MORE LIKE MARCH!

Fifty and fabulous ...

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GARDENER'S TIP ~

If you don't own a Garden Diary, do yourself a favor and purchase one. Recording triumphs and failures not only leads to more success but also makes for great winter reading.

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~ Pussy Willow

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CREAMY CAULIFLOWER SOUP

~ rich Gouda cheese adds to the creamy consistency

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1/2 lb. diced bacon strips
1/2 stick unsalted plus 3 Tbsp. bacon grease
1 large chopped onion
2 cloves garlic
1 large cauliflower broken into florets
6 medium chopped carrots
4 medium chopped potatoes
2 stalks of celery plus tender leaves
1 small bunch fresh parsley
8 cups organic chicken broth
salt & white pepper to taste
1 tsp. Hungarian paprika
8 oz. shredded Gouda cheese
chopped chives
additional shredded Gouda for garnish

• Fry bacon in large stockpot until crisp. Remove with slotted spoon and drain pot leaving 3 Tbsp. bacon grease. Add butter and melt.
• Saute onion and garlic until onion is wilted. Carefully add chicken stock and vegetables. Season with salt & white pepper. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes.
• Remove from heat and puree in small batches until creamy consistency. Return to pot and bring to boil. Lower heat and add cheese and paprika. Do not let boil.
• Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with additional shredded Gouda, crisp bacon & chopped chives. Serve with warm crusty bread or Caraway White Cheddar Cheese Muffins.

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CARAWAY WHITE CHEDDAR MUFFINS

~ the caraway flavor compliments the Gouda cheese in the soup

2 cups flour

3 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. black pepper

2 Tbsp. caraway seeds (perhaps on hand if you made Irish Soda Bread)

1 cup milk

2 large organic eggs

2 Tbsp. oil

8 oz. shredded white cheddar

• Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add caraway seeds.
• Whisk together milk, eggs & oil.
• Combine to dry ingredients but do not over mix.
• Fill greased muffin cups three-quarters full. Bake for 15 minutes in 400-degree oven until golden. (1 dozen)