Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup

I love broccoli cheese soup.  It's warm, it's comforting, it's tasty, and it makes a great lunch.  I have seen so many recipes that call for an elaborate cooking process for making this yummy soup.  Upon examining the ingredients, I discovered that it was a cream soup base with broccoli, cheese, and other spices added in.  It didn't take me long to figure out there was an easier way!  So here it is.  My "recipe" for easy broccoli cheese soup. 

And it has only two pre-packaged ingredients! Actually three if you include the milk. 

Here's how it you make it. You use the two items shown above. Yes, that's really it!  It's so easy, and it tastes wonderful. 

EASY BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP

1 box frozen broccoli and cheese sauce (10 oz.)

1 can cream of chicken soup (10 oz.) 

1 can milk 

Milk to thin to desired consistency 

Microwave broccoli and cheese sauce as directed on package.  While that is cooking, in a medium saucepan over low heat, begin preparing cream of chicken soup.  I recommend using milk because water will make the cheese and cream separate.  Whisk soup in sauce pan until thoroughly mixed.  Once broccoli and cheese are finished cooking, open the plastic package and add broccoli and cheese sauce to soup.  Stir thoroughly to combine.  Thin with more milk to desired consistency.  Serve with bacon bits, fresh ground pepper, salt, and crusty bread. 

If you would like to make this a little more homemade tasting, prior to making soup, you can sautee about 1 tablespoon minced onion in butter.  Then add soup and prepare as usual. 

That is it.  The easiest broccoli-cheese soup you will ever make!

The Best, Easiest Cheese Ball, Cheese Log, or Cheese Spread Ever!

I have been making this cheese ball for about 25 years because it is THAT good.  Plus, it's so easy to make, and it tastes fabulous.  Not only can it be made into a cheese ball, it can be a cheese log or, if left in it's softened state, can be used as a spread for tortilla pinwheel rollups!  

I've taken it to office parties, potluck dinners, or just made it because I like it!  Most people really love the flavors and are surprised to find out that the ingredients are so simple.  Here's the recipe!

EASY CHEESE BALL, CHEESE LOG, OR CHEESE SPREAD:

• 1 8 oz brick of cream cheese, softened
• Approximately 4-5 slices of deli sliced ham (If you buy the packages of Buddig Ham, those are perfect!)
• 3-4 green onions chopped (use both the white part and the green tops after cleaning and trimming off root ends)
• 1 Tablespoon soy sauce (packets of soy sauce from carryout are perfect for this!)
• chopped nuts, parsley, or bacon bits for exterior if using as cheese ball or log roll

Place the softened cream cheese in a bowl.  

Add in the green onions, soy sauce, and chopped ham.  

Mix until all ingredients are blended thoroughly and mixture is smooth.  

Place mixture into the refrigerator and allow it to set up or harden again.  Once it's firm use oiled plastic wrap or wax paper and form into a ball.  Roll in dried parsley, chopped nuts, shredded cheddar cheese, or bacon bits.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.  

To make this into tortilla rollups, leave the mixture softened and spread onto large tortillas.  Do not slice yet.  Refrigerate until cheese firms up, then remove from the refrigerator and slice into pinwheels!

I'm going to apologize for these rollups.  I was in a major hurry, as my light was fading, and the flash has gone out on my camera!  They may look a bit pitiful, but they tasted great!