Vegtable Soup with Fennel, Herbs and Parmesan Broth

I was inspired by this recipe on Food & Wine as I was looking for something "good" and light. Well, it was light but not that good - too bland and too many leeks (I thought I could hid them from L. since there was so much fennel in there ... I am BAD - he really HATES them & I realized just how much tonight)! So, after all, it was not comfort food but rather, "mental note, never cook another leek!" At least Dessert saved the day .... homemade chocolate cake and cookies and cream ice cream - a happy belated bday celebration for L. from our little friends, M., E., and M.!