Celery Root and Granny Smith Soup

This is such a wonderful soup and easy to make. It fits in perfectly with Phase II of the O2 Diet. I adapted it from a recipe I found on epicurious.com

1 celery root, peeled and chopped
1-2 granny smith apples, cored and chopped
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 parsnip, sliced (optional)
1 head cauliflower, chopped
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, low sodium
thyme, black pepper to taste

In large pot, cook celery root, cauliflower and parsnip in the vegetable or chicken broth until soft. Meanwhile, in nonstick skillet sprayed with canola oil, cook onion and apple until soft and slightly golden.

Transfer all to food processor with thyme and black pepper. Puree.

Garnish with:

Chive oil
turkey bacon bits

Chive oil:
1/2 c. chopped chives
1/2 c. olive oil
whirl in food processor until pretty smooth

Turkey bacon bits: lay turkey bacon slices on several paper towels on plate. cover with more paper towels. microwave for about 3 minutes or until desired doneness achieved. remove paper towels and blot any oil with more paper towels. crumble when cooled enough to handle

Garnish 1 cup soup with 1 tsp chive oil and 1 tsp bacon bits