Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Warm, cheesy, delicious broccoli cheddar soup is comfort food at its best!

Fall has arrived here in Michigan. The days are cooler, the leaves on the trees are changing colors and falling, and it's been raining quite a bit. This is my favorite time of the year. I love everything about Fall, from the seasonal changes to watching football to Halloween, and everything in between. Fall is definitely my favorite season.

Once the cooler temps hit, I'm all about making my favorite comfort foods. Whether it's a big pot of chili or a chicken pot pie, those warm foods really hit the spot. My family loves having a traditional meal of soup and grilled cheese too, which has always been one of my childhood favorites.

Simple Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan

Tender roasted broccoli tossed with fresh Parmesan cheese makes a great side dish for just about any meal!

Simple side dishes made with fresh, local ingredients are the best. Of course I use frozen veggies sometimes, but when I can I love to buy fresh, especially during the summer. Beautiful tomatoes, squash, zucchini and green beans, all waiting to be picked up and turned into something beautiful.

That something beautiful doesn't have to be difficult. Take this roasted broccoli for example. Two ingredients, not including your pantry staples, is all it takes to make a delicious and healthy side dish for your family. TWO ingredients! And it's ready in no time at all.

Pumpkin & Broccoli Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce

When I found out the ingredients for this months Crazy Ingredient Challenge were pumpkin puree and broccoli, I was a bit stumped. I typically cook sweet dishes with pumpkin, like bread and pie. How would I add broccoli into the mix? Especially into something sweet!

One day we were having dinner and something just hit me. Like a light bulb when off in my brain! I've had pumpkin and squash ravioli before...why not try making pumpkin and broccoli ravioli?

Everyone I mentioned this to was a bit skeptical, especially my kids. It sounded a little...weird. Ya feel me?

But guess what? It wasn't weird. It was delicious! And quite easy to make if you ask me. I had one of my besties over for dinner the night I made it and I told her she was my guinea pig. LOL Thankfully we both loved it, and so did my son, and we finished off the whole dish. 

What's nice is that you puree all the ingredients together in your food processor so you can sneak that broccoli in without your kids ever knowing. Score for mom!