Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (10 3/4 ounce) can low-fat cream of celery soup (I use Kroger brand)
1 (12 ounce) bag frozen broccoli (I use Kroger brand)
1 3/4 cups skim milk
1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon pepper (to taste)
2 -3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp)
Optional
1/4 cup grated carrot (I use this when I have them on hand)

Preparation

Open frozen broccoli, put into microwave safe bowl, and cover. Microwave on high 4 minutes.
Meanwhile, turn your crockpot on low - put in your soup, milk, and seasonings.
Once thawed, remove broccoli stems, put in food processor - consistency should be finely chopped to pureeed. Put broccoli stems and whole broccoli florets into crockpot. If you buy a frozen bag of only florets, use half in food processor (since you don't have the stems). I prefer florets, but usually I can't find a bag of only florets.
**Optional:. Add some shredded carrot when you add in the broccoli, if you want. I would microwave it 3-4 minutes first with 2 T of water.
Stir all ingredients and cook on high in crockpot 1 hour on low. Add cheese and cook another 30 minutes.
Serve with deli bread or in bread bowl.