GARLIC BREAD SOUP

Another delicious recipe you can cozy up with is this cheesy, savory, garlic bread soup. Topped with homemade croutons, it's sure to satisfy on the chilliest of winter days. Plus, most of these ingredients are bound to be in your pantry or fridge already!

HOMEMADE CROUTONS:

• 2 cups French bread, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 3 tbsp butter, melted

• 1 tbsp minced garlic

• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, toss together bread with the remaining ingredients.

3. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

4. Set aside.

SOUP:

• 1 heaping cup of French bread pieces (not the croutons)

• 1 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (extra set aside for garnish)

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

• 2 tbsp minced garlic

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon pepper

• Optional parsley for garnish

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Once heated, add chopped onion, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Cook until onions start to brown, about 7-8 minutes.

3. Add butter and minced garlic, and stir until fragrant (about 1 minute).

4. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Continue simmering for about 15 minutes to reduce the broth, stirring occasionally.

5. Whisk in the heavy cream and French bread pieces. Remove bay leaves.

6. At a simmer, allow the bread to soak up some of the liquid for 3-4 minutes.

7. (This step requires an immersion blender or regular blender) Add parmesan and sharp cheddar cheese, and blend until smooth.

8. Serve- top with homemade croutons, parsley, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese!