It is amazing to think that I started this blog a year ago. To thank all my followers there may be a giveaway coming up....I guess you'll just have wait and see!
Today, Stephanie from Never The Same Spice Twice is taking over Girls Gone Food today. She was a sponsor for December and her blog is absolutely darling. You should definitely check it out!

Hello Girls Gone Food followers!!! I'm Stephanie from Never The Same Spice Twice, and I'm so happy to be guest posting over here! Lauren is awesome, and so is this incredible blog of hers. I love reading her posts, checking out her yummy recipes, and drooling over her amazing photos! I'm sure you can all relate!
I thought this delicious Broccoli Cheese Soup (inspired by this recipe), would be perfect to share over here!
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of light butter
1/2 onion - chopped (I throw it in my mini chopper)
1 cup of baby carrots (chopped in the mini chopper too)
4-5 cups of reduced sodium chicken broth
1 pound broccoli crowns chopped (about 6 cups)
1 14 oz. can of cannellini beans (rinsed)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 14 oz. can of cannellini beans (rinsed)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
3/4 cup of half and half
2 cups shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese
Directions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat, and sauté the chopped onion until translucent
2. Add chopped carrots, 4 cups of broth, and broccoli - cook until broccoli is tender...about 8-10 minutes. Add rinsed beans, salt, pepper, and cook for another minute or two
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup....you can make it as smooth as you would like
4. Slowly add half and half, and cheddar cheese....then hit it with the immersion blender one last time
(*If the soup is too thick, add the extra chicken broth)
I usually serve this with warm, crusty multigrain bread...YUM! I hope you all enjoy it!
Thanks a bunch for the opportunity to share with you all!