Ham and Cheese Broccoli Soup

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     During the holidays, I tend to make a lot of food during the entire season.  There are always friends and relatives to feed and we enjoy the eating and the visiting and the festive atmosphere.  I tend to over prepare and then I end up with loads of leftovers.  Not being one who wants to waste food, I try to find ways to use what is left in creative ways to help feed us easily in the quiet moments and to help save money and reduce waste by using up what we have.  
     After Thanksgiving, I had leftover ham.  And, since we are trying to add more vegetables to our diet, I decided that I would make this a soup where the vegetable is really the star and the ham and cheese are just nice background accompaniments.  

     I have to confess that when I make soup, I don't measure very accurately, so if you want less ham and more broccoli and onions, it will still be nice. The ham adds a nice smokey flavor.  Also, as I typed the recipe, I couldn't remember if I put garlic in it, so try it if you want to do that. It will be good either way. 
    You can also substitute any type of cheese that you would like to use.  I actually used a blend of cheddar and jack cheeses in this batch. That is why the color is lighter. This is a leftover soup, so it can vary with whatever ingredients you have on hand.  Some corn would be good in it I think.  But, no matter what, it is tasty soup!  My husband packed up 3 servings to freeze and save for his lunches.

Ham and Cheese Broccoli Soup

     Here are some soup bowls that are similar to mine.  I love having a little handle to hang onto with a hot bowl of soup.  My bowl is ancient! But, these have a more modern look.  I really like them.

     I just feel in love with these bowls that have a spot to hold your crackers! Genius! 

Soup bowls and a soup mix in a jar would be adorable Christmas gifts.  With those bowls, you could add the box of crackers! Or, just the crackers and no soup mix, ha ha!

 
​     Here is a past post you might like that shows another way to use leftovers.  Keep it in mind for after Christmas or any time of year!  
     What are some of the ways that you like to use leftovers? Let us know! 
     Meanwhile, here are a few other cool soup related gift ideas (I love beautiful soup tureens):