Simple Snow Day- Broccoli Leek Soup, and Open Faced Grilled Cheese

Simple Snow Day- Broccoli Leek Soup, and Open Faced Grilled Cheese

What a crazy winter! I don't know about you, but I'm OVER it! With all this crazy snow, sleet, and ice everywhere I know we've been pretty busy shoveling, as I'm sure you've been too.... unless you're one of those lucky west coast smarty pants. So who wants to spend their time slaving over a stove? Not me! This Broccoli Leek soup was everything I wanted this snow day; warm, comforting, light in calories, and fast. So the next time you're in the mood for a healthy, delicious soup, try out this Broccoli Leek Soup, you won't be disappointed.

Broccoli Leek Soup
30 minutes
4 Servings
181 Calories per serving

3 Tablespoons Butter
3 cups chopped leeks (about 3 large)
3 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/4 pounds broccoli crowns, chopped (about 8 generous cups)
6 cups vegetable, or chicken broth
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
Parmesan Cheese (optional)

Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add leeks and thyme; saute until leeks are almost soft, reducing heat if needed to prevent rapid browning, 7-8 minutes. Transfer 1/2 cup leeks to a small bowl; reserve. Add salt, pepper, broccoli, and broth to pot; bring to a boil. Cover; boil until vegetables are tender, 8-10 minutes.
Puree soup in blender in batches until smooth. Return soup to pot, stir in lemon juice. Ladle into bowls; top with a spoonful of reserved leeks, and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Open Faced Grilled Cheese
Serves 1

1 Slice of whole wheat bread
2 Slices vine ripened tomato (you could also use avocado, or pepperoni, whatever sounds good to you that day)
1 Slice cheese of your choice
1/4 tablespoon butter

Lay tomato on top of slice of bread, cover with slice of cheese
Preheat broiler.
Heat an oven safe, nonstick pan over medium heat. Add butter to pan, and melt. Add the bread with the tomato and cheese. Cook about 4-5 minutes, until the bottom of the bread is browned.
Place pan in the broiler about 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and starting to brown. Keep an eye on it! Plate, and serve!

 This Downy Woodpecker ate his lunch outside our kitchen window!