Update

I wanted to give a brief update.  We were in New Mexico,  Arizona and now in Texas.  We have had the worse Internet, being in remote areas for work.  But things should be better for a little while.  So I plan to write what we have been up to while my Internet is good.  Stay posted, new blogs should be coming shortly.  Tons of traveling planned for the next year.

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one book.
-Augustine of Hippo

Cream of Broccoli Soup

Even though it's fall,  it's still hot in New Mexico.  So Cream of Broccoli soup sounded light but filling enough for the 80s+ weather here.  This recipe is lighter than some other recipes.   I have replaced the cream with half and half.   If you like a creamer soup change it back. 

Cream of Broccoli Soup

2 tbsp Olive Oil

1 Onion, chopped

2 cloves of Garlic

1/4 tsp Salt

1/8 tsp Black Pepper

4 cups Chicken Broth

2 cups Broccoli Chopped

1 Bay Leaf

1/4 c Unbleached Flour

1/2 Cup Half & Half

Grated Cheddar, for garnishing(optional)

In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and onions and cook for 3 minutes.  I used red onions because they are my favorite.  But use whatever onions you like best. 

Add the garlic and salt and pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

I make my own chicken broth and save it for soups.   Saves a lot of money and gives me something to do with less desired chicken parts.

Add the broth, broccoli, and bay leaf and bring to a boil.  

Turn down heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Add flour, by removing 1/2 cup of the broth to a small bowl.  Wisk in the flour.  Once the lumps have been dissolved add back to the pot.  Add the half and half.  Bring the soup to a boil, turn the heat down to medium and cook for 15 minutes.

Serve with whatever you like, here I have made a chicken ceasar sandwich.

But if I am not in the mood for sandwiches, I sometimes serve it with either cornbread or biscuits. 

Someone isn't thrilled that they can't have cream of broccoli soup... 

Cornbread

Ham Stuffed Biscuits with Mustard Butter

Homestyle Biscuits

That bowl of soup-it was dearer than freedom, dearer than life itself, past, present and future.

- Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

Traveling to New Mexico

It's been a little bit of adventure getting here.  But we finally made it.

Lox at Cherry Hill RV Park in Washington DC.  I highly recommend this park if you are planning a trip.  Poor Lox hadn't realized that the trip was just beginning...

Lox exploring the lake at Souring Eagle Campground in Lenoir City, Tennessee.

Camping along the river in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  

Above a dog park at Wichita Falls RV Park in Wichita Falls, Texas.  Below is the sun setting over the lake near our RV. 

We have finally made it to Artesia, New Mexico.  

Planning to visit Carlsbad Caverns, Roswell, and the White Sand Dunes.  More pictures will be posted later. 

I have always loved the desert.  One sits down on a desert sand dunes, sees nothing, hears nothing.  Yet something throbs, and gleams... 

- Antoine de Saint-Exupery