Cheesy Broccoli & Bellpepper Soup

     We have known our friend, Al, for over two years and I've heard him talk about his grandmother's homemade bread which made me drool.  So basically that means I've been drooling and wiping slobber from my face for two years until tonight.  Al went home to Mississippi for the holiday break and finally brought us a loaf back.  I immediately tore a chunk off and shoved it in my mouth - deeeelicious!  Then I had the following thoughts: homemade bread.....cold outside....bag o' broccoli in the fridge.....Panera-style and bam - dinner was born!
Cheesy Broccoli Soup in a Bread Bowl
broccoli
tri-colored bell peppers
red onion
1 can fat free cream of celery
shredded cheese
dash (or 12) of hot sauce
paprika
red pepper flakes
garlic powder
extra virgin olive oil
water
salt / pepper
ground flax seed (optional)
homemade bread (not optional)

Saute broccoli, bell peppers, and onion in extra virgin olive oil until tender.

Mix in condensed soup, water, spices, and as much cheese as you please. I kept our soup on the lighter side so I didn't actually use that much cheese.  The longer this soup simmers, the better - I lasted 25 minutes until I couldn't take it any longer.

  Looks just like that block of Velveeta people melt into their broccoli and cheese soup, huh?!  Personally, I put Velveeta on the same list as mayo - no thanks.

 You just can't buy bread like this from the store. 

 I cut off the end and turned it into a bird's nest...

 I really love cold weather.

 Forrest did things a little different.  He dipped his bread in herb-flavored oil...

 and ate his soup with a side of turkey.

 We are still trying to get Salvie to love his holiday head piece before Christmas gets here.  Apparently he is interested in other things.

Side note:  no dog was harmed or tipsy from the making of this picture :)