CREAM OF CAULIFLOWER SOUP

Ingredients:
2 Tbsps of olive oil
2 onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
4 celery ribs, chopped fine
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 lbs potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
15 Cups vegetable broth or low sodium stock
2 heads of cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets

When ready to serve the soup:
4 to 8 ounces heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)

Method:
Heat the oil in a large soup pan over low heat.
Stir in the onions. Cook 5 minutes or until just soft.
Stir in the garlic, celery and bay leaves.
Cook 5 minutes or until the celery is soft.
Add the potatoes.
Sprinkle with the salt and pepper, stirring to blend well.
Cook the mixture for 5 minutes.
Pour the broth into the pan.
Adjust the heat to medium high and bring to a boil.
Continue to cook for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are just starting to soften.
Stir in the cauliflower and cook 15 minutes longer,or until the cauliflower is soft but not watery.
Remove the bay leaves. (Do not eat them, as they can cause upset stomachs.)
Pour the soup into the blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth.
When blending the soup, if it seems too thick, add a little more vegetable broth and blend again.
Continue doing this until the soup is the right consistency for your taste.
Serve hot with crusty bread on the side and a salad for a filling lunch. Use as a starter for cold winter evenings.

Variation: For a more luxurious and elegant soup: After the soup is hot, stir in the cream. If you are weight-conscious, use half-and-half instead of cream, or skim milk or unsweetened soy milk for all the creaminess with none of the fat.

To freeze:
Let the soup cool completely then transfer to freezer containers.
This soup will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat: Place the container in the microwave and heat for three to five minutes, stirring once every minute to heat it through completely.

Makes 8 servings

Preparation Time: about 1 hour
Post-freezing cooking time: About 3 to 5 minutes in the microwave