-
1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
-
2
Heat EVOO over medium heat in saute pan.
-
3
Add the butter to the oil and when it foams, add the garlic, thyme, parsley and pepper and swirl for 1 to 2 minutes.
-
4
Place the bread in a large bowl and toss with the butter sauce and half the cheese.
-
5
Arrange on a baking sheet and bake until deeply golden and crispy, 20 minutes.
-
6
The croutons can be stored wrapped in foil at room temp or in an airtight container for several days.
-
7
Bring a couple of inches of water to boil in a deep skillet.
-
8
Salt the water and add the broccoli.
-
9
Cook to tender-crisp, 5 minutes; drain.
-
10
The broccoli can be stored in the fridge in a plastic bag for several days.
-
11
To assemble and bake the casserole, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and arrange the croutons in a dish.
-
12
Top with the broccoli, chicken, soup and remaining 3/4 to 1 cup Parm.
-
13
Bake until hot throughout and golden on top, 35 to 40 minutes.
-
14
For the poached chicken stock: Place the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, lemon, herb bundle, peppercorns and salt in a pot, cover with water and bring to a low boil.
-
15
Reduce heat to simmer and simmer for 1 hour minimum.
-
16
Cool the chicken in the broth.
-
17
Remove the chicken and cool.
-
18
Separate the meat and pull or chop into bite-size pieces.
-
19
Reserve for the Broccoli Casserole preparation.
-
20
The chicken can be stored in a plastic bag in the fridge for 4 days.
-
21
Strain the stock and reserve for soup.
-
22
For the soup: Heat a soup pot over medium heat.
-
23
Melt the butter and when it begins to foam, add the celery, onions and garlic; season with celery salt and pepper.
-
24
Add the fresh bay leaf to pot, partially cover, and cook until very tender and soft, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
25
Add the potatoes, celeriac and stock and bring to a boil.
-
26
Reduce heat to a low rolling boil and simmer, partially covered, for another 20 minutes, then puree with an immersion blender.
-
27
Cool the soup and store for a make-ahead meal.
-
28
Place the soup in a stockpot and stir in the cream.
-
29
Bring to simmer and taste to adjust seasoning.
-
30
Yield: 4 to 6 servings (plus 3 to 4 cups to reserve for Broccoli Casserole)