Broccoli Cheese Soup

I love soups at this time of year.  I think I've only attempted making broccoli soup twice in our entire marriage but this is a recipe I will definitely make again!  It's easy and super tasty.  This recipe comes from Mel's Kitchen Cafe, although I've modified it just a bit. 

Broccoli Cheese Soup

1 3/4 cups chicken broth (1 can)
1 small onion, diced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded swiss cheese  (Didn't have so used another 1/2 cup sharp cheddar.)
2 1/2 to 3 cups chopped, lightly steamed broccoli  (I didn't steam mine quite long enough.  You want it to be soft, not crunchy, but not soggy because once you add it to the pot your soup is pretty much ready to serve...so it doesn't cook much more.)

Simmer chicken broth and chopped onion for 15-20 minutes in a covered small saucepan, until onions are soft. Heat milk in microwave for 1-2 minutes. In a separate medium-sized stockpot, melt butter then add flour, salt and pepper. Cook together, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes, then whisk in warmed milk. Stir and heat together on medium heat until soup starts to thicken, about 5-8 minutes. Add warmed chicken broth and continue to stir until well blended. Add cheeses and stir until completely melted. Stir in steamed broccoli. Add more salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Serve immediately in bowls or bread bowls.

Banana Bars with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

I made these for Ben's birthday.  He's not a big chocolate guy...not a big cake guy, for that matter.  But he does like banana, so I thought I'd try these banana bars instead of something more traditional.  They were a hit!  Ben had two pieces!  That's saying something.  The recipe makes quite a bit of frosting so you could try halving the recipe or just plan to spread frosting liberally on the bars!

Banana Bars with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Bars:

½ cup butter, softened
1 ½ cups sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 cup mashed ripe bananas

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10 x 15 inch jellyroll pan or one 9X13 pan and an additional 8X8 pan. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl; stir into the batter. Finally, mix in the mashed banana. Spread evenly into the prepared pan(s). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow bars to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, salt and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy. Set aside. In another medium bowl, beat whipped cream until stiff peaks form (it helps to use a chilled bowl and chilled beaters). Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture. Frost!