Easy & Tasty Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for an incredibly easy and beginner friendly tasty recipe for Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is extremely forgiving if you are missing an ingredient or two + you can easily swap fresh ingredients for frozen or dried (like a diced onion vs onion powder). My first time making this, I just simply used what I had on hand and it turned out so tasty with my substitutions and I knew I needed to share!

Broccoli cheddar soup

INGREDIENTS

  • 2/3 cup butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced
  • 1/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken stock
  • 3 cups half-and-half (sub evaporated milk or regular milk)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable stock or chicken bouillon powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 pound broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
  • 2 large carrots, cut into small pieces or grated
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese

 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Melt butter in large pot over medium heat.

Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook until golden brown.

2. Reduce heat to medium-low. Slowly add chicken stock and half-and-half, stirring well with a whisk to combine and dissolve flour into the liquid. Season with salt, pepper, stock powder, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Whisk until everything is well combined. Allow the mixture to thicken for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to loosen any thicker bits on the bottom and sides of the pot.

3. Add the broccoli and carrots to the pot and let simmer for another 20 minutes or until the broccoli is completely tender. Stir in cheese until it’s well combined. Taste the soup and add extra salt and/or pepper if desired. Remove the pot from the heat and serve.

Optional: Serve the soup with breadcrumbs, croutons, or your favorite rolls. Garnish it with shredded cheese or grated carrots.

*BONUS RECIPE*

Homemade breadcrumbs or croutons like the ones you see in my broccoli cheddar soup are SO easy to make! Instead of trashing your stale or 30 seconds from moldy bread in the trash, chop it into smaller bits and toss in a mixture of olive or avocado oil + your fav herbs, seasoning, or seeds, and toss in your oven or air fryer at 350° for 4 minutes or until toasted to your desired perfection. I used olive oil, McCormick’s Garlic & Herb Seasoning, ground flaxseed, and dried parsley with Pepperidge Farm sourdough bread that I had in my freezer for a month because I didn’t want to waste it! I love to make my breadcrumbs and croutons when I’m already using the oven for other dishes and store them for up to 2 weeks in a Ziploc bag or tupperware on my counter.

Enjoy!

Broccoli cheddar soup ingredients and instructions

Unlocking the Power of Social Media: Tips & Tricks to Grow Your Audience and Influence

Social media has become a powerful tool for individuals to express themselves, share their ideas, and connect with a global audience. Whether you’re a budding influencer, entrepreneur, or simply looking to expand your online presence, growing your audience and influence is crucial. In this post, we’ll explore some valuable tips and tricks to help you establish your brand, discover your content niche, and engage with your audience effectively.

1. Establish your brand or online persona:

The first step towards growing your audience is to establish a strong brand or online persona that reflects your identity and resonates with your target audience. Here are some key considerations:

– Choose a username: There are online tools you can use to brainstorm a username but make sure to google that name so that it doesn’t conflict with other trademarks or sketchy people.

– Choose/Create a profile pic/logo/watermark: Select a visually appealing and recognizable image that represents your brand or persona across all platforms. You can do this for free using Picsart or Canva or pay a few bucks for a custom logo on Fiverr.

– Craft a compelling bio: Write a concise and engaging bio that clearly communicates who you are, what you do, and what value you offer.

– Hashtags and social media accounts: Identify relevant hashtags and create accounts on platforms that align with your audience’s preferences.

– Define your content type: Determine the type of content you want to post, whether it’s educational, entertaining, inspirational, or a mix of different elements.

– Follow similar accounts: Follow and engage with accounts that share similarities with your brand or online persona to gain insights and build connections.

2. Explore your content niche:

To stand out in the vast sea of social media, it’s essential to find your content niche and develop a unique voice. Here’s how you can do it:

– Unique content creation: Create content that showcases your personality, expertise, or perspective. Offer something valuable and different from what’s already available.

– Templates for posts: Develop templates for your posts, including relevant hashtags, captivating captions, watermarks, and filters. Consistency in presentation enhances brand recognition.

– Incorporate trends: Stay updated with the latest trends and incorporate them into your content strategically. It helps you remain relevant and increases your chances of reaching a wider audience.

– Communicate with your audience: When experimenting with new ideas or content formats, inform your audience about it. Their feedback and involvement can guide your future content creation.

– Understand diverse interests: Remember that your audience consists of individuals with unique interests and motivations. Not all content will resonate equally with everyone, so be adaptable and try different approaches.

 



3. Be active and interactive:

Consistency and engagement are vital for growing your audience and fostering a loyal community. Here’s how you can stay active and interactive:

– Regular posting schedule: Commit to posting daily at a consistent time for at least a month. This establishes expectations and helps your audience anticipate your content. This will also help you learn what time of day your audience is most active through insights/analytics available to you online.

– Storytelling through stories: Utilize the story feature on social media platforms to share additional content, behind-the-scenes moments, and connect with your audience on a more personal level. Aim for at least two story updates daily.

– Interact with your followers: Show appreciation for your followers by engaging with their comments. Like, reply to, and even pin meaningful comments to encourage further interaction.

– Leverage hashtags: Actively participate in conversations under hashtags relevant to your content or your own hashtag. Engage with others’ posts, offer insights, and build relationships within your niche.

– Engage with accounts you follow: Commenting, liking, and sharing content from accounts you follow can help establish connections and expand your network.

– Create challenges: Participate in existing challenges or create your own to keep yourself motivated and encourage others to engage with your content. Challenges foster a sense of community and generate excitement.

– Share experiences and insights: Establish yourself as an authority in your niche and connect with your audience on a deeper level, share your experiences, lessons learned, and tips & tricks like this post!

Maximize Savings with Cashback Apps and Earn Money through Random Activities

Cashback rebate apps typically work by partnering with retailers or brands to offer users a percentage of their purchase amount as a cashback reward. Users can usually browse through a list of participating stores or offers within the app, make a purchase through the app’s referral link or by scanning a receipt, and then receive a percentage of the purchase amount back as cashback.

In today’s digital age, there are countless opportunities to save money and earn extra cash through innovative platforms and apps. By leveraging cashback and rebate apps, you can receive discounts and bonuses on your purchases, while also getting paid for participating in various activities. In this article, we will explore some popular cashback apps and introduce a unique way to earn money by engaging in random activities. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can maximize your savings and increase your income. Let’s dive in!

Cashback apps have revolutionized the way we shop, allowing us to earn money back on purchases made at our favorite retailers. Here are some popular cashback apps you can start using today:

  • Ibotta: Save on groceries, online shopping, giftcards, and more with Ibotta. Simply scan your receipts from most retailers and earn cash that you can redeem for gift cards or transfer straight to your bank account. Ibotta offers “Any Item” discounts on things like produce, meat, and everyday household supplies + tons of free product rebates that you can stack with in-store savings and coupons to actually MAKE MONEY! Use the code “pu6xg” to receive bonuses when you sign up.
  • FetchRewards: Turn ANY receipts into gift cards by scanning them with FetchRewards. All receipts earn 25 points. You can earn extra points with additional (sometimes free!) product point bonuses and a daily points giveaway with each receipt. You can also scan e-receipts by connecting to your Amazon or personal email accounts. Enter the code “M8FYN” to unlock additional bonuses.
  • Rakuten: Formerly known as Ebates, offers percentage rebates and coupon codes for online shopping. Save money while enjoying a wide range of products and services that will be sent to your quarterly in a “Big Fat Check”!
  • TopCashBack: Enjoy percentage rebates and access exclusive coupon codes for online shopping with TopCashBack. Maximize your savings and make every purchase count.
  • Checkout51: Save on groceries and online shopping with Checkout51. Earn cashback on eligible items and watch your savings grow.
  • Shopkick: Earn kicks (or points) by simply walking into any store, scanning eligible items, and uploading your receipt if you purchase any of said items in the app. Accumulate kicks and redeem them for gift cards to your favorite retailers.
  • Merryfield: Is similar to FetchRewards with points rewarded for every receipt scan but offers rebates for organic, natural, and not so known popular brands available at speciality retailers like Whole Foods, Trader Joes, or Fresh Thyme. Use code “ZH8YEA” for a bonus when you sign-up!

By utilizing these cashback apps, you can make every shopping experience a money-saving opportunity. Whether you’re purchasing groceries or indulging in online shopping, these apps provide a straightforward way to earn cashback and reap the benefits of your purchases.

 

*This post may contain affiliate and referral links that I earn a small commission

Unveiling the Secrets to Earning Extra Cash and Freebies

In today’s economy, finding ways to make some extra money or snag freebies is always a welcome opportunity. Many individuals are curious about the methods others employ to acquire free products or generate additional income. As someone who believes in diversifying income streams, I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge in this area. In this article, I will share some of my tried-and-true strategies for maximizing savings, earning extra cash, and receiving complimentary items.

Check out my Instagram highlights that showcase my frugal journey! 

If you’re interested in uncovering the secrets to frugal living and boosting your financial resources, read on!

1. Request freebies, free product samples, and more:

When it comes to freebies, it’s essential to separate the genuine offers from deceptive scams. Some companies genuinely provide free products or samples, and you can take advantage of these opportunities. Visit your favorite brands’ websites and explore their “Offers” or “Try XYZ” sections, where you might stumble upon free samples or high-value coupons. Additionally, consider reaching out to your favorite brands via email, expressing your appreciation for their products. Some companies respond with thank-you messages, while others might surprise you with coupons or freebies. By sharing your positive experiences, you could unlock a world of complimentary goodies. New parents should check out Target and Amazon, which offer freebies for creating a baby registry, as well as sign-up opportunities for free formula samples, coupons, and formula checks from brands like Gerber, Enfamil, and Similac. Remember, if you encounter a negative experience, reach out to brands or restaurants politely, as they may provide a gesture of goodwill to retain you as a customer. Another useful tip is to follow and interact with your favorite brands on social media, as this may lead to targeted ads, free samples, and exclusive coupons for the products you love. Free sample websites like Get Me Free Samples can also be a valuable resource for discovering the latest offerings.

2. Sign-up for free product testing, beta testing, and market research studies:

Companies often seek feedback from consumers by offering opportunities to test products, participate in beta testing, or join market research studies. While these activities usually require some time commitment and feedback, they can be an excellent way to receive free products and earn extra cash. Be prepared to share detailed experiences and insights, as companies often reward their most dedicated users with additional opportunities. Platforms like Smiley360, Social Nature, BzzAgent, Momsmseet, InsidersNet, and 2020Panel are known for product testing and word-of-mouth sharing. Additionally, Google Research Studies and PlayStation Beta offer opportunities for market research and beta testing, respectively.

3. Sign-up for free trials:

If you’re cautious and diligent, signing up for free trials can be an effective way to access various services without spending money. However, it’s crucial to keep track of trial periods and cancel subscriptions before they convert to paid plans. Research cancellation procedures before signing up for any offer to avoid unexpected charges. It’s also advisable to have a prepaid debit card on hand if you prefer not to use your primary credit card for these trials.

4. Complete surveys online:

Online surveys provide another avenue for earning extra cash. Platforms like Surveysavvy offer paid surveys that allow you to share your opinions and insights in exchange for compensation. While the earnings may not be substantial, they can add up over time and contribute to your overall income.

5. Use cashback and rebate apps:

Cashback and rebate apps have gained popularity in recent years, allowing users to save money while shopping. Apps like Ibotta, FetchRewards, Rakuten (formerly Ebates), TopCashBack, Checkout51, and Shopkick offer various cashback and rebate opportunities. By using these apps, you can earn money back on every day purchases. Read more about cashback and rebate apps here!

BONUS: 

Another unique way to earn extra cash is by participating in class action lawsuits. One platform that offers such opportunities is TopClassAction. By browsing the Open Settlements section on their website, you can find items or services you may have purchased or actions taken by familiar brands or companies. In some cases, you may be eligible to receive cash, gift cards, or other incentives for lawsuits that have been filed against these companies. However, it’s essential to review the settlement details before submitting a claim to ensure your eligibility. Some individuals have received settlement checks ranging from a few dollars to as much as $450, as well as store credits, gift cards, and services like credit monitoring. Engaging in these random activities not only provides an opportunity to earn money but also contributes to holding companies accountable for their actions.

 

Component List Update – 2/11/21

Please note, component lists are now only available to Youtube Channel Members. For more information or to join, please read this post.

Updated Transfer & Non-Transfer Merge Components are available to all visitors in the FAQ.

Female:
Added – Racing Suit Tops, Jeans, Suit Pants, Shorts + corrected issues, spelling errors, and duplicates

Male:
Added – T-Shirts, Suit Pants + corrected issues, spelling errors, and duplicates
.

Join my Discord for help or questions 🙂

Component List Update – 2/3/21

Please note, component lists are now only available to Youtube Channel Members. For more information or to join, please read this post.

Updated Transfer & Non-Transfer Merge Components are available to all visitors in the FAQ.

Female:
Added – Suit Jackets, Leather Jackets, Bustiers, Boots + corrected issues, spelling errors, and duplicates

Male:
Added – Red Neckphones, Desert Scarfs, Turtlenecks, Battle Vests, Combat Tops, All Adversary Strike Vests, Police Guard & Maintenance Belts, Sports Shoes, Running Shoes + corrected issues, spelling errors, and duplicates

There were a few update made over the last few weeks and I published the most changes today. The list is close to being up-to-date through the latest DLC for all items that are available to buy from clothing store sections, apart from outfits that you can buy at the counter/casino. If you are unable to find items, they are either apart of an “outfit”, are a “combo” item, or do not have a component available. I am also working to add items that do not have components available just to be sure that you know I’ve checked. For those items, I’d recommend merging.

Component List Update – 1/12/21

Please note, component lists are now only available to Youtube Channel Members. For more information or to join, please read this post.

Updated Transfer & Non-Transfer Merge Components are available to all visitors in the FAQ.

Female:
Added – SO MANY Adversary Colored items (Knee Pad Cargos, Chain Pants, Service Shirts, Sports Tops, and more… but unfortunately, not all colors are available in each new item added) + corrected issues, spelling errors, and duplicates

Male:
Added – Arena Wars Outfit Pieces, Arena Wars Tops, Diamond Casino Overcoats + corrected issues, spelling errors, and duplicates

Component List Update – 1/3/21

Please note, component lists are now only available to Youtube Channel Members. For more information or to join, please read this post.

Updated Transfer & Non-Transfer Merge Components are available to all visitors in the FAQ.

Female:
Added – Track Pants Leggings, Arena Wars Hockey Shirts + corrected issues, spelling errors, and duplicates

Male:
Added – Arena Wars Bodysuit Bottoms, Diamond Casino Pocket Jackets, Adversary Advanced Helmets + corrected issues, spelling errors, and duplicates

Component List Update – 1/2/21

Please note, component lists are now only available to Youtube Channel Members. For more information or to join, please read this post.

Updated Transfer & Non-Transfer Merge Components are available to all visitors in the FAQ.

Female:
Added – New Merge Neckwear and T-Shirt Bibs *Thanks Numirya for sharing these* + corrected issues, spelling errors, and duplicates

Male:
Added – New Merge Gloves + corrected issues, spelling errors, and duplicates

GTAV CAYO PERICO HEIST Update – Clothing

New purchasable items and variations of Clothing, Masks, and Face Paints have been added to GTA Online for male and female characters. These can be purchased from Clothing Stores, Mask Store, and the Barber Shops. Unlock Special T-shirts by completing Heist & Heist Prep. This list will not include items that require glitching to acquire.

From today through January 14th, everyone who progresses through The Cayo Perico Heist – from scoping to taking down the score – will receive special clothing items along the way.

Those who complete a Cayo Perico Scoping Mission will receive a rare Manor Tie-dye Tee that is sure to provoke envy from the fashion victims lined up outside Didier Sachs. Completing any Prep Mission for the Cayo Perico Heist, meanwhile, will land you the rare Rockstar Gray Pattern Tee And completing the Cayo Perico Heist finale before the deadline will land you the highly coveted Panther Tour Jacket.

Everyone who jumps in to play this week will receive the Yellow Still Slipping Tee to telegraph their good music taste to all.

From Rockstar Newswire

Outfits – The Cayo Perico Heist (Selection of outfits from Rockstar featuring some of the new clothing items)

Accessories – Pendant Chains

Hats – Labels Caps, Combat Helmets

Masks – Tactical, Ski Masks, Neck Gaiter

Tops – Labels T-Shirts/Hoodies/Sweaters, Special Tops, Shirts/Party Shirt, Utility Vests *must open Shirts/Party Shirts through interaction menu now

Bottoms – None

Special Unlocks: Special Tops