Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Gluten Free)

On days like this, there is nothing better than a big steaming bowl of soup to warm your bones.  Especially after a long hike through the mountains like we had today.  There is just nothing like a winter hike in BC; blue skies, crisp fresh air and the peace and quiet of the forest.  To me it is perfection.  I also love the sleepy feeling you get afterwards when all you want is a blanket and your couch and a great movie to snuggle up to.  Plus a great bowl of homemade soup :)  So here is my recipe for a soup that will warm you through and through and be the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Ingredients:

3 crowns broccoli (chopped roughly)

3 cloves garlic (minced)

1/2 large onion (diced)

4 cups water

1 cup milk (any percentage you like)

4 cups chicken stock

3/4 cups plain bioyogurt

1 cup cheddar cheese (grated)

In a large stock pot, combine water, chicken stock, broccoli, onion and garlic.  Allow the pot to come to a boil until the broccoli is tender.  Add milk, yogurt and cheese.  With an immersion blender, puree the soup.  I sometimes also use my blender instead, but it takes longer since you have to wait until the soup has cooled and do it in small batches.  I usually top the soup with a little extra grated cheese and maybe a dollop of yogurt (or sour cream).  It's also great with crumbled bacon and scallions.  Enjoy!