Broccoli & Apple Soup

• 1 bunch broccoli
• 3 tablespoons butter
• onion 1 sm., thinly sliced
• 1 apple peeled, sliced, cored
• 4 cups chicken stock or water
• 4 tablespoons creme fraiche or sour cream, opt.
• 2 tablespoons chives minced, or parsley
• salt
• freshly ground pepper

1. 1. Trim 2 inches from the broccoli stalks and peel the outer skin with a vegetable peeler. Cut the broccoli into small dice.
2. 2. Melt the butter in a 4-quart saucepan. Add the onion and apple. Cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
3. 3. Add the broccoli, stock or water, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, over medium heat, for 30 minutes.
4. 4. Remove the soup from the heat. Transfer 1/3 of soup to a blender or food processor and blend thoroughly or until smooth. Repeat in 2 more batches. With a large spoon, push the soup through a sieve into clean saucepan and discard any large pieces remaining in the sieve. Reheat the soup, stirring constantly. Taste seasoning and adjust, if necessary.
5. PRESENTATION: Portion out the soup into warmed bowls and serve as is or garnished with a spoonful of creme fraiche or sour cream in center. Sprinkle the creme fraiche with minced chives or parsley.

broccoli, butter, onion, apple, chicken, creme fraiche, chives, salt, freshly ground pepper

Taken from www.yummly.com/recipe/Broccoli-_-Apple-Soup-1649714 (may not work)