QUICK AND EASY FROZEN PEA SOUP

This soup is so easy to make and so tasty, I may never make split pea soup again, much to my hubby's consternation. Of course, you can buy fresh peas and sit there and shuck them, but frozen organic peas were my choice. Most of the work had already been done for me. Serve this with a slice of pizza or a grilled cheese sandwich and you have a complete meal.

Quick and Easy Frozen Pea Soup
Adapted loosely from allrecipes.com, Lizz C., Recipe ID 95110
Rating: 9.5 out of 10

INGREDIENTS: 2 Tbsp. Smart Balance 50/50 butter blend
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 large garlic cloves
1 lb. bag frozen organic peas, rinsed and drained
Sea salt and pepper to taste
4 fresh thyme sprigs
1 (14 oz) can low-sodium chicken (or vegetable) broth
Optional: 1/4 cup fat-free half and half
Optional Garnish: cooked crumbled bacon & additional thyme sprigs

In 3-quart heavy pot, melt SB over medium heat; saute onions and garlic till soft, about 5 minutes. Add peas, salt, pepper and thyme sprigs. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until peas are tender, about 10 minutes. Remove thyme sprigs, then use immersion blender to puree soup (or pour soup into blender in 2 batches to puree and return to pot). Stir in broth. If desired, top each serving with some half and half, bacon and thyme sprigs. Yield: about 4 servings (This freezes very well.)