Broccoli Celery Soup and a Quiet Place

There are many quiet spots around town. One of them is the Yachats Ocean View Park. It is located off Ocean View Rd and 7th street. Follow the path a short way and you will reach the "peace pole" with a bench made out of logs to the side. After checking around I found out that peace poles are handcrafted monuments erected all over the world as an international symbol of peace. This "pole" was a gift to the city by a Yachatian named Sylvan Simmons who is a member of Voices Set Free, a non-profit group that promotes peace in every aspect of life.

Follow the path from the peace pole down to the beach. If you follow along the waters edge around the rocks and through the sand you will end up at the Yachat's state park. After our walk for lunch I made pureed broccoli celery soup. The recipe is easy to follow and just takes a minimal amount of time to prepare. It's also nutritious, low in sodium and has great flavor. Recipe is slightly adapted from the "NY Time's, recipes for health". The author is Martha Rose Shulman and her cookbook is "The Very Best of Recipes for Health".

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion (diced)
4 stalks celery (diced)
2 pounds broccoli (mostly crowns)
1 medium size potato (diced)
2 quarts water
1 bay leaf
A few sprigs of parsley and thyme (minced)
Parmesan or cheddar for garnish

To prepare:

In a large heated pot add olive oil, then onions and celery. Saute until tender approx 6-8 minutes. Do not allow to brown. (Recipe suggest adding a generous pinch of salt as it draws the liquid out of the vegetables making it harder to brown). Add garlic and stir about a minute until fragrant.

Add broccoli, potatoes and herbs. Reduce heat and let simmer 30 minutes. Using a hand blender puree' the soup. Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with your choice of cheese. Enjoy!