Broccoli-Parsnip Bisque

• 1 lb. parsnips, peeled & chopped
• 1 lb. broccoli, chopped
• 1 large onion, peeled & chopped
• 1/2 c. chopped celeriac (or finely diced celery)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled & chopped
• 1 qt. vegetable, chicken, or turkey broth
• 1 T. salt
• 2 tsp. ground pepper
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 c. half & half
• Crumbled bacon & bleu cheese, for garnish (optional)

Combine all of the ingredients except the half & half in a large crockpot. Stir gently and cover. Set the slow cooker on LOW and allow to simmer for 7-9 hours.

After the vegetables are soft and fully cooked, blend the soup until no chunks remain. I use an immersion blender, but you could also transfer the soup, in batches, to a stand-alone blender. Once all of the soup is blended (and returned to the slow cooker, if you used a stand-alone blender), stir in the half & half and warm gently before serving.

If desired, garnish each bowl of soup with crumbled bacon and bleu cheese.

• Yields: 6-8 servings
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes, plus simmering time