Broccoli Soup

Directions

1. 1
   Begin by chopping the garlic and celery and set them aside.
2. 2
   Peel and cube the potato.
3. 3
   Cut the broccoli into florets and be sure to save the stems... they will add a lot of flavor to the soup.
4. 4
   Heat the olive oil in a sauce pan until it's hot and proceed to saute the garlic and celery to release their flavors.
5. 5
   After about two minutes, add the broccoli and potato and saute everything for just a few moments.
6. 6
   Cover the vegetables with the stock (you may need to add a little water)and bring to a low boil.
7. 7
   Lower to a simmer for just five minutes.
8. 8
   Remove the soup from the stove and puree in a food processor, blender, or with a hand blender.
9. 9
   At this point, you may add the optional milk or half and half and the cheddar cheese.
10. 10
    Stir well and enjoy immediately.