Broccoli cheddar soup...and keeping warm

In the past two days, I've employed two very different ways of keeping warm.

First, I hunted down and bagged some heavy gear for traversing the cold streets of NYC. I now have a down coat, boots and cap, all in the requisite urban gray-scale.

Second, after having to bid adieu to dear colleagues, I warmed my heart by recalling this charming story of friendship. Just try and read it without smiling. The illustrations remind me of children's books of yore. I feel like curling up with the book and tracing the pictures with my finger.

This soup is also a very satisfying way of staying warm. It is simple, tasty and healthy. I love being able to truly enjoy good-for-you food. I didn't get around to trying the mustard croutons this time, but I'm looking forward to doing so. Unlike Tracy I didn't make this soup twice in one week, but I did make it twice in two weeks with the second batch being a double!

I also have the perfect accompaniment, which I'll be sure to share later.