Creamy Celery Apple Soup

Another autumn/winter favorite of mine.

• Ready In: 32 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 3  tablespoons butter
• 1  head celery, washed and chopped (include the leaves!)
• 1  cup  chopped onion
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped carrot
• 1  medium apple, peeled, cored and chopped
• 3  cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon thyme
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  crushed rosemary
• 2 -3  tablespoons flour
• 6  ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
•  salt, as needed, to taste

Directions

1. In a large soup pot over med-high heat, melt butter; add celery, onion, garlic, carrots, and apple and saute for 6-7 minutes.
2. Add broth, pepper, thyme and rosemary to pot. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until all veggies are very tender.
3. Stir in flour; mix well.
4. Reduce heat to low; stir in cream cheese cubes. Heat and stir on low until cream cheese is melted.
5. Puree (using hand blender/blender/food processor) to desired consistency. (I usually puree a little over half of mine, but you can make it as smooth as desired).
6. Serve.