Cream Of Broccoli Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 to 3 bunches broccoli
1 small onion, chopped
1 c. half and half or whole milk
1 can chicken broth
1 to 2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)
water
2 Tbsp. flour or cornstarch (to thicken)

Preparation

Remove flowers from broccoli.
In large soup pot, put broccoli flowers, 4 cups water, chicken broth, broccoli stalks (2 or 3 for flavor only), onion, bay leaves, garlic, salt and pepper.
Cook over medium heat 1 hour, whisking every 15 minutes or so to break up broccoli flowers.
Remove broccoli stalks and throw away. Slowly add half and half or milk to soup.
Stir and cook until milk is hot.
Mix flour with small amount of cold milk and add to hot soup.
Cook over medium heat until thickened.
Let cool to eating temperature.
Stir in Cheddar cheese, if desired, until melted.