Garlic Soup

Yes, garlic soup! It is so delicious and SO healthy! When I lived in Arizona, I made this all the time. Garlic grows very well there. I grew my own in the backyard, planted in October, harvested in May. And during the winter I cut the growth on top for salads.

Serves 4-6
1 head garlic
1-1/2 quarts chicken stock
4 oz. stale country bread (2 or 3 days old), crusts removed
salt and pepper
2 large carrots, chopped fine in food processor
2 celery stalks, chopped fine in food processor
Optional garnishes: green garlic leaves, cut very thin, or shredded basil leaves

Peel the garlic and poach the cloves in 2 cups chicken stock. While this is cooking, saute carrots and celery in 1 T. olive oil. In 10 to 15 minutes, when garlic is completely soft,puree stock and garlic in blender. Meanwhile, cube the bread. Soak in warm water until very soft, about 10 minutes. Squeeze out excess water, and crumble the bread.
Add the garlic puree and carrot/celery mix to the remaining broth, and whisk in the softened, crumbled bread. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with garlic or basil leaves.

I usually double the recipe if I have company, they always ask for seconds!