Change in the Southern Air

In the winter, the air in our homes can become stale, what with the windows closed and us trying to keep the cold outside air, well, outside. This past week we have been really stuck inside with the cold frigid air that has been sweeping the country.

So, what we need is something to clean the air. What would that be? The wonderful, decorative and air-cleaning house plant!

Yes, house plants not only add to our decor, they also clean the air we breath! NASA scientists have discovered that many houseplants and blooming potted plants fight indoor air pollution. They’re reportedly able to scrub significant amounts of harmful gases out of the air, through the everyday processes of photosynthesis. Some pollutants are also absorbed and rendered harmless in the soil.

House plants can be used as a centerpiece as a screen, a backdrop an accent piece. There are so many possibilities and house plants come in so many sizes.

Here are the top ten for purifying the air in your home:

1. Philodendron scandens `oxycardium’, heartleaf philodendron
2. Philodendron domesticum, elephant ear philodendron
3. Dracaena fragrans `Massangeana’, cornstalk dracaena
4. Hedera helix, English ivy
5. Chlorophytum comosum, spider plant
6. Dracaena deremensis `Janet Craig’, Janet Craig dracaena
7. Dracaena deremensis `Warneckii’, Warneck dracaena
8. Ficus benjamina, weeping fig
9. Epipiremnum aureum, golden pothos
10. Spathiphyllum `Mauna Loa’, peace lily
11. Philodendron selloum, selloum philodendron
12. Aglaonema modestum, Chinese evergreen
13. Chamaedorea sefritzii, bamboo or reed palm
14. Sansevieria trifasciata, snake plant
15. Dracaena marginata , red-edged dracaena

And, mostof these are easily available and easy to grow. How wonderful is that? And, in addition to cleaning the air, they help ease your mind by giving you a little of the outdoors all year round.

Today’s Lagniappe:  Broccoli Cheese Soup

• 1 bunch broccoli, about 1 1/4 pounds, washed and trimmed
• 2 cups sliced onions
• 5 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 7 cups chicken broth, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried leaf oregano, crumbled
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Cut florets off broccoli and divide into small sections. Simmer in lightly salted water for 2 minutes; drain and immerse in cold water to stop cooking then set aside.

Cut stalks into small pieces; place in a large saucepan. Add sliced onions and 3 tablespoons of butter to saucepan; sauté over medium low heat for 5 minutes. Add 3 cups chicken broth and oregano to the saucepan; simmer 20 to 30 minutes. Carefully process hot mixture in batches in a blender until smooth. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in saucepan; stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, until smooth and bubbly. Stir in mustard and pepper. Gradually stir in processed mixture and remaining 4 cups of chicken broth. Continue to cook, stirring, until mixture begins to bubble. Add milk and cheese; stir until smooth and cheese is melted. Add remaining broccoli florets and heat through. Broccoli cheese soup serves 8.