Tough Economic Times

This one’s for Sharleen…

In these “tough economic times” it is important to prevent waste and be conscious of how much money we  are spending on a daily basis.  Everyone makes sacrifices during “tough economic times”.  “Tough economic times” require drastic measures, like driving less, cutting back on haircuts (pun intended) and eating what’s in the fridge before you head out to the store.

In response to these “tough economic times”, I’ve started to use our freezer much more often.  Before these, “tough economic times”, we would (as many others did, c’mon, you KNOW you are guilty!) buy the broccoli, look at the broccoli in the fridge, say, “We really need to use that broccoli.”, forget to use the broccoli, and then throw away the wrinkled, smelly, wilted broccoli . Might at well just rip up two dollar bills.

Since these “tough economic times” have begun to grace our daily lives, I still buy the broccoli, but now I freeze it before it becomes a science experiment.  I have learned to make Broccoli Cheese Soup from the frozen stuff – which surprisingly (the non-cook that I am) doesn’t go directly into the trash.  In these “tough economic times” I’ve learned that I CAN follow directions, so recipes work for me (sometimes!)

So in these “tough economic times” you, too, can learn to make Broccoli Cheese Soup.

“Tough Economic Times” Broccoli Cheese Soup

  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1/2 medium chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • broccoli or cauliflower (or a combination of both)
  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese
  • a dash of nutmeg
  • salt and pepper

Directions

1.  Saute onion in melted butter.  Set aside.
2.  Whisk melted butter and flour over medium heat for 3 minutes.  Stir constantly and gradually add the milk.
3.  Add the broth.  Simmer for 20 minutes.
4.  Add the broccoli and onion. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.
5.  Add the salt and pepper, cheese and nutmeg.  Stir until cheese is melted.
Serve with yummy bread.
Enjoy!  And eat well in these “tough economic times”.

p.s. I heard on the radio that in “tough economic times”, beer and make-up sales do not decrease.  So, look pretty and drink up!  Sharleen, are you screaming yet?

3 Comments »

  1. Sharleen said,

    March 8, 2009 @ 5:30 pm

    “Screaming” is an understatement! As soon as I read your blog title, I was laughing. Picture this: Moi all dolled up in the kitchen making broccoli cheese soup holding root beer (sorry, don’t drink beer) screaming, I mean singing, Rolling Stones new hit, “Tough economic times.” Great post, you!

  2. Sharleen said,

    March 8, 2009 @ 5:30 pm

    P.S. Thanks for the laughs.

  3. Sharleen said,

    March 10, 2009 @ 7:31 pm

    Hey you… I am STILL laughing @ your blog post tonight based on our last conversation. You are a funny lady, REALLY. I don’t think you used “Tough Economic Times” enough. I think I counted 12 times. You can do better than that.

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