Animal Crackers in My Soup

Monkeys and rabbits loop the loop
Gosh oh gee but I have fun
Swallowing animals one by one

What can I say? When I heard that today is National Animal Crackers Day, that’s what filled my pea-size brain. It was either that or the Marx Brother’s 1930 film. Now I know what you must be thinking – fish are not animals, therefore putting Gold Fish Crackers into soup does not count. Truth be told, it was either that or bake my own crackers shaped like animals. Because the animal crackers that come in a box are sweet and have no place in any kind of soup.

Besides, isn’t it the spirit of the day that counts? I hope you have the most amazing day yet!

Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Goldfish Crackers
1/2 White Onion, chopped
1-1/2 cups Broccoli Florets, chopped
1/2 cup diced Carrots
1 Celery Rib, thinly slices
2-1/2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1 tablespoons Butter
1/4 cup Butter, melted
1/4 cup Flour
2 cups Milk
2 cups Chicken Stock
Kosher Salt to taste
Fresh Black Pepper to taste
Goldfish Crackers for finish

Cut onion in half from root to tip. Reserve half for another purpose. Peel and finely chop remaining half. Cut Broccoli Florets into small pieces, set aside. Peel and finely dice carrot, set aside. Clean, trim and thinly slice celery, set aside. From a block of sharp Cheddar Cheese, shred 2-1/2 cups of cheese, set aside.

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, cook stirring often, until tender and translucent; about 5 minutes. Set aside.

While the onions cook, melt 1/4 cup of butter. Pour the melted butter into a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Sprinkle with flour, continue to cook while whisking, for about 4 minutes. If the mixture begins to brown, add a tablespoon or so of milk to keep the roux light in color.

Gradually whisk in milk and chicken stock while constantly whisking. Bring to a simmer. Let cook until mixture thickens, about 20 minutes. Add the broccoli, carrots, celery and sautéed onions. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes or so.

Stir in the Cheddar Cheese. Remove from heat, continue to stir until the cheese has melted into the soup. Season with salt and pepper.

Ladle into bowls. Top with Goldfish or other animal cracker. Serve and enjoy.

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The Lord is King; robed in majesty