CREAM OF BROCCOLI AND CHEESE SOUP
By Becky Melendez

1 T butter
2 c. chopped celery
1 c. finely chopped onion
1 16 oz. pkg. chopped broccoli
32 oz. carton cottage cheese
2 c. whole milk
1 (10 ¾ oz.) can cream of chicken or mushroom soup
1 c. water
½ t salt
¼ t white pepper

Cook celery and onion in butter on medium heat in soup pot until just tender. Add broccoli, stir, turn off heat. Blend cottage cheese with milk and soup in blender. Add to pot along with all other ingredients. Cook on low until vegetables are tender.
Optional: Garnish with crumbled bacon or chopped ham, grated cheese and dried or fresh green onions or chives.