BASIC SOUP:

Chicken broth
Potatoes, peeled
Celery & carrots
Cheese
Onions
Herbs & spices to taste
Cream or powdered milk or 1/2 & 1/2 or butter (optional)
Large amount of broccoli or carrots or whatever fresh vegetables you like
Boil potatoes, peppercorns, onions, celery and carrots until fork tender.Drain, saving broth. Remove peppercorns (if you tie them in cheesecloth,
they'll be easier to remove). Puree all vegetables. Return to pot and
add enough broth to keep a thick soup consistency. To soup, add whatever
of the following to suit your own taste: Cream, powdered milk, half & half,
butter. The idea is to use the basic soup mixture to create
your own creamed soups. Simmer long enough to blend all flavors. Adding
more broth to keep thick soup consistency. You can add grated cheese toward
the end of cooking time for a great party soup. Serve with crusty bread
and salad.