Cheese Cauliflower Soup

4 T. butter
1 onion peeled/minced
garlic cloves minced
1 large head cauliflower chopped
5 c. chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c. half and half
***We don't have half and half here, so the substitute I used was: 1/2 Tbsp. melted butter, then fill rest of cup with milk.**
1 1/2 C. cheddar cheese
minced fresh parsley

Heat butter in a large pot. Add the onion and garlic, saute slowly about 6 minutes. Add cauliflower and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Puree the soup in a blender (I didn't have a blender, so didn't do this step). Stir in the cheese. Add the 1/2 and 1/2. Continue to stir until cheese melts. Do not let it come to a boil. Adjust seasoning to taste.

We gave this recipe a 7/10. The cheese I used was a little salty, so I should use less cheese. Fresh parsley was good!

Calzone Dough Recipe

1 cup lukewarm water
2 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
3 cups flour, plus extra for dusting
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Combine water, yeast salt and sugar, and stir to dissolve. Set aside for 15 minutes, then add flour and mix til smooth. Turn the dough out onto floured work surface, and knead for 10 minutes, adding more flour if necessary. The dough should feel smooth and elastic. Lightly oil a bowl, and place dough inside. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about one hour. Quarter the dough and shape each piece into a ball. Cover and let rise another 15 minutes. Makes enough dough for four calzones.

**Tried this last night, with onions, mushrooms and green peppers in the middle. Dough didn't rise very well because it's so cold inside, but when I put the bowl right next to the space heater, it worked really well. :) Used a store bought sauce, but wasn't very good...next goal: make my own pizza sauce.