When Mother Nature Gives You Fall... Make soup

Ah soup. It is the purpose of fall. OK. Maybe not THE purpose. But it certainly is one of the better parts of Fall and Winter to me. And after 7 years in Phoenix where "Winter" is a relative term, I am thrilled to be able  to make soup and not have Sweet and Charming complain that the house is too hot.

During one of my many stints in food service I learned about soups. Glorious soups that intrigued the palate and satisfied the soul. One of my favorites is a Green Chilli Cheese Soup. It has potatoes at its heart and begs to be dipped with crusty breads. For those of you that are in a soup mood, here you go:

Green Chili Cheese Soup

2 Tbs olive oil
2 stalks celery
1 medium onion chopped
2 cloves garlic
2 medium potatoes peeled and chopped
1 cup of montery jack cheese, shredded
3 oz cream cheese
4 cups of chicken stock, or veggie stock
4 ounces fire roasted green chilies (mild)

In a large soup pot, saute the onion and celery over medium heat util the onions are soft, about 5 mins. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant about 45 seconds. Add stock and potatoes and boil until potatoes are tender (15- 20 mins depending on how small they are).   Ad cheese and stir until it's melted. ad chilies and blend until smooth. Serve garnished with cilantro. Or if you are like my husband and the Munchkins, with bacon. :)