Let’s face it, store-bought, canned soups just don’t compare to the real, homemade variety. And at this time of year there are few other dishes that serve up a healthy dose of comfort the way a great bowl of soup does.

The great thing about soup is it’s very easy to make and costs next to nothing, making it an excellent, economical meal to serve the family. Serve with salad and fresh-baked bread for a complete meal.

Once you have the basics down it’s easy to experiment with different flavors and textures. If you’ve made that traditional chicken noodle soup one too many times then now is the perfect time to try your hand at creating a smooth and creamy soup instead. Soups are also a great way to load up on vegetable servings and keep hunger at bay, since they tend to fill us up and keep us feeling satisfied for longer.

Celery soup is one soup that you may never have thought to try. But as it turns out, celery is an excellent vegetable to use in a soup as it can be chopped up easily and blends like a dream. Celery contains vitamin C and several other active compounds which may help lower cholesterol and prevent cancer. According to WHFoods, vitamin C-rich foods like celery may help reduce cold symptoms or the severity of cold symptoms. More than 20 scientific studies have concluded that vitamin C is an effective cold-fighter. Studies also indicate that celery may also offer potential blood pressure benefits as well, helping to relax the muscles around arteries and allow blood vessels to dilate properly.

Celery Soup

• 1 bunch of celery
• 1 small onion
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup of potato, cubed
• salt & pepper
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1/4 cup low-fat milk
• 6 stems of parsley (tops only)

1. Prepare vegetables, chopping celery into 1/2 inch slices, chopping onion and cutting potato into cubes.
2. Melt butter in heavy saucepan and lightly saute vegetables for 5 minutes, then add stock and seasoning.  Simmer gently for 40 minutes.
3 Add parsley and liquidise thoroughly
4 Before serving add milk and bring to simmering point. Voila!

For a different soup, simply substitute celery for your favorite vegetable. Carrot or parsnip is a good choice (Note: quantities will vary depending on vegetable.)