Cauliflower Soup

Last week I hosted an Open House and a Wine/Beer Tasting and served this Cauliflower Soup. It was a huge hit! For the wine tasting folks, I added a handful of chopped Keen's Farmhouse Cheddar too! I did omit the spinach....just wasn't feeling it ;) Isn't that the great thing about recipes? You can do what you like to make them yours. This is also a perfect way to use up the traditional holiday veggie/dip plate! Substitute the parsnips for celery and even add some broccoli if you've got it!

Fried Proscuitto makes a lovely garnish for this soup. Cut slices of Proscuitto in strips and saute or broil until crispy. We loved the soup with white wine! Enjoy!

CAULIFLOWER SOUP

1 head cauliflower, cleaned and trimmed into ½ inch florets
1 diced carrot
½ medium onion, diced
1 stalk diced parsnip
3 small red or Yukon gold potatoes, diced
2 handfuls of fresh baby spinach leaves
¾ teaspoon ground coriander
3 Tablespoons butter
5 cups chicken or vegetable stock or broth
½ cup heavy cream
Salt & pepper to taste

In large stock pot over medium heat, melt butter and sauté carrots, onions, parsnip and cauliflower until softened and slightly browned.

Add stock, and stir, scraping up all browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add potatoes and lower heat and simmer about 15-20 minutes. Add spinach, cook about 3 minutes and add heavy cream. Stir to combine and adjust seasonings to taste.

Remove from heat and serve.