ASPARAGUS SOUP

It's cold out there! Time to make some soup but tired of the same recipes? Well, try this easy and creamy soup with some warm Italian bread!

Items to purchase: 2 shallots, 4 cups chicken broth, small container of heavy cream (can be substituted for half and half), 1 pound of asparagus, and 1 package of hollandaise sauce (optional)

Total: $15-20 (depending upon where you shop), but makes 6 servings (1cup)

Ingredients:
1 pound asparagus (tough ends trimmed, cut into 1 inch pieces)
4 cups chicken broth
2 shallots, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and black pepper
small pinch red pepper flakes
1 Tbsp of all purpose flour
2 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup cream (or half and half)
1 package of hollandaise sauce (powder)

Add butter to a large saucepan over medium heat to melt. Once foaming and melted, add shallots and garlic until tender (5 minutes). Add red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper. Stir in the flour until pasty and blonde. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Add the asparagus and simmer until it's tender, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle in the hollandaise packet and stir. Add heavy cream (or half and half). Then with a stick blender puree the soup until smooth. If you do not have a stick blender...use a food processor, but be careful when transferring the hot soup and mixing it!!! May splash. The stick blender is a great investment ($30-40 depending upon brand and store) for soups, gravies, cake mixing, etc.

Once smooth add salt and pepper to taste as needed!