cheaper way to make Alissa's broccoli soup

[iluvmangos]

I made Alissa's broccoli soup today, but used sunflower seeds instead of the almonds it calls for. It was the first time I've ever made it, so I don't know what it's like with almonds, but I thought it was great with the sunflower seeds. It also calls for 1/2-1 clove of garlic. I used a whole clove and it was a bit too spicy for me. I'm finding that I don't like spicy things as much as I used to, but it would've been perfect with 1/2 a clove. Use baby broccoli if you can:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1167943/Eat-broccoli-months-help-prevent-stomach-cancer-say-scientists.html

[brownies]

Sounds great. I ALWAYS use sunflower seeds as a either full or partial replacement in recipes. It helps to use them freshly soaked (not dehydrated) because they blend up better.

I can't wait to give the recipe a try.

[Myca]

Do you blend them up with the shell?
Very new to this.
Thanks Amber

[brownies]

You buy them seeded. I've never seen raw sunflower seeds in the store still in the shell. If you come across them in the shell you want to make sure to take the shell off, then soak for AT LEAST 6 hours before eating them.