Broccoli Cheddar Soup With Crispy Pancetta

Now that the weather is getting colder (or, per usual, in North Carolina...flip flopping daily) soup is making its way into my dinner repertoire with a vengeance. This is one I had been playing around with for a while and finally made it happen one afternoon when I was craving something simple and filling. This recipe fits the bill on both counts. 

This is when I should admit that this may be the first time I actually ate my broccoli. Covered in cheese, cream and the addition of crispy pancetta. And it was worth every caloric bite. 

I also didn't use flour in this recipe so as long as you use gluten free stock, you can make this gluten free. 

This was best served immediately, if you have leftovers and want to re heat, add a little more cream and cheese as it heats.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

3 cups cheddar (shredded)
1/2 cup colby jack (shredded)
2 cups cream
1/4 cup stock
1/4 cup chopped pancetta (crisped)


Heat the cream on medium until it begins to bubble, add in the cheese and stock. Whisk continuously until it begins to thicken.  Add pepper and salt to taste. 

Ladle into bowls and top with pancetta. 

This got my husband's seal of approval and surprisingly...mine 

Oreo Mudslide Icebox Cake

Oh, this was so yummy. and so easy. And you could make this in a variety of flavors by switching up the ice cream or oreo flavor.  Adult version or kiddie version. And I made this Gluten Free the first time using the Glutino knock off oreos.

All I know is this is good. Would I lie to you? No. Well, not today anyways.

First up is the Mudslide version.

Ingredients

2 packs oreo pudding mix

1 mini bottle kahlua

1 Mini bottle baileys

1 cup milk****

1 tub cool whip

1 package oreos

1 half gallon ice cream softened, (I used Edy's coffee)

In a pan layer the oreos on the bottom. In a separate bowl make the pudding using the kahlua, baileys and milk. Once it starts to thicken, add the cool whip. Let set for a few minutes. Using a spatula, spread the softened ice cream over the oreos. and then spread the pudding mixture over top of that. If you have any oreos left, crush them and crumble over the top.

Freeze for at least two hours.

For Gluten free, use the glutino cookies, vanilla pudding and I know for certain that talenti has numerous gluten free options, if you click on any of these images, it will say right on there if it is GF or not. and I have had no problems with pudding products, except obviously the oreo. But I do not believe it is certified GF, but as far as I can tell by the ingredients, it's fine. But you have to decide for yourself.

****and just use milk or coffee creamer if you want to make this kid friendly. The Belgium chocolate or the toffee almond would be great with this. I actually used chocolate milk for this. I cannot remember the last time I just used plain milk to make pudding. How boring;)

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