Creamy Cauliflower Soup

How were everyone’s’ Thanksgiving weekends? Mine was wonderful as I got to spend it with the people I love. The turkey was also pretty tasty  AND I was good! I only had one small serving of everything and tried to eat lots of veggies. So, needless to say I am proud of myself. We also busted out the Christmas decorations. The nativity set is up, we have REAL garland on the outside of the house, and the mantel is decorated with my favorite twinkly light and holly berry garland we made last year. I also have a great DIY gift idea coming to the blog AFTER Christmas because I don’t want certain people to see…*cough* Mom * cough* Jake’s Mom ;).

Max also had to come! We take him everywhere because of his diabetes. I don't mind cause he's so cute! 

Jake and I have an unusual obsession with the cooking show America’s Test Kitchen. We record it and watch it on Saturday mornings while sipping coffee. I love that they dive into so much detail with the flavors they use, the quality of their foods, and the science! The most recent episode we watched was all about soup! They broke down the chemical structure of the cauliflower and basically said that the chemicals that make it stinky break down when boiled for over 20 minutes! I had no idea! I had to make this soup! I personally am a fan of the cauliflower and its many uses. I use it for so many things: mashed potatoes, Alfredo sauce, steamed, pizza crust, roasted, raw, I love all the ways you can prepare this delectable veggie!

I adapted this recipe from this show (because I had to) and of course lightened it up! They used a whole stick of butter in theirs, but I think I will stick to 3 tbs instead. This soup is also so easy! I feel like you are only 5-6 ingredients away from a really tasty soup. This one is definitely a keeper in my book!  

It is indeed getting colder outside and to go off track, we bought our outdoor kitty (Brownie) a heated house! He is feral and will only come no more than 3 feet to us, but he is very sweet and very handsome! I hope he learns to use his new house quickly so he can stay warm! Do you have any outdoor animals? How do you keep them warm in the winter? Or like me, do you have a feral cat or two that you care for? I would totally take him in if I could! And I don’t think our other 4 kitties would like it that much!

But yes, winter is coming #gameofthronesreference and soup is my go to meals. They also help me get my daily veggie intake, so that’s just a plus to it tasting good!

The cauliflower becomes the cream in this soup! No need for dairy! And honestly, once you taste it you can’t tell.

Cauliflower is simmered with leeks and onion and blended until super creamy! Perfect for this cold winter season!

You Need:

1 head of cauliflower

2 leeks, sliced (only the white and light green parts)

1 small onion, diced

3 tbs unsalted butter

4.5 cups of water

3 tbs chopped chives

Drizzle of olive oil (garnish)

Directions:

In a large sauce pan, melt butter on medium high heat

Add onion and leeks to sweat out (7 minutes) stirring frequently

Slice stem of cauliflower thinly and add to the pan

Add half of the cauliflower (chopped) into the pan with the water

Bring to a boil

Let boil for 15 minutes

Add other half of the cauliflower and let boil for another 20 minutes

Add soup to a high powered blender and puree on high until smooth

Pour into 4 bowls and add chives and olive oil for garnish with some salt and pepper!

Enjoy!