Cream of Broccoli Soup

Green soup may not be everybody's idea of a good time, but this one may surprise even the most wary.

Cream of Broccoli Soup:

*2 tablespoons unsalted butter

*1 medium onion, chopped or 2 large leeks (white and light green parts only, rinsed and chopped)

*2 celery ribs, rinsed and chopped

*2-3 medium gold potatoes, peeled and chopped

*2 cloves garlic, minced

*sea salt and pepper

*2-3 large broccoli crowns, rinsed and chopped

*4 cups chicken stock

*1 cup whole milk

*1/2 cup cream

In a heavy soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion or leeks, celery, and potato. Season with salt and pepper. Saute until soft. Add garlic and broccoli. Cook for about 4 minutes before adding the chicken stock. Cover and simmer until all ingredients are very tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Pour in milk and cream. Working in batches, puree in a food processor or blend until smooth with an immersion blender.

Return to pot and heat. Serve with a sprinkle of hard cheese.