Creme of Broccoli Soup

I recently made this soup for the first time in a few years. We had forgotten how good it is! Even in the summer it's still quite comforting and filling!

Creme of Broccoli Soup

1/4 cup olive oil
3 cups water
4 stalks celery, chopped
1 large or 2 small heads broccoli, cut into "little trees"
1 cup corn kernels (could add more if you want)

1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
½ cup shredded carrots

1 small onion chopped (optional)
4 cups almond or rice milk
1 cup raw cashews
½ avocado
1 teaspoon Onion powder
salt and pepper to taste

Place olive oil, and water in a large pot and gently heat till mixed. Add the celery, broccoli, corn and carrots to the pot and bring to a low simmer. In a blender, blend the milk, cashews and avocado till smooth, pour into pot and continue warming until vegetables are cooked how you like them. If you want a "raw soup" try not to heat over 120 degrees;) Add the spices and taste for flavor. Adjust if necessary. If you want a thicker chowder type soup just take 1/2 cup rice milk and mix it with one or two Tablespoons of whole wheat flour and stir it into the soup. And let it simmer for a minute to thicken.