CREAM OF BROCCOLI SOUP

1½ cups chicken broth
½ cup chopped onion
2 cups chopped broccoli
½ tsp. dried thyme, crushed
1 small bay leaf
Dash garlic powder
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. flour
½ tsp. Salt
1 cup milk
Dash pepper

In saucepan combine chicken broth, chopped onion, thyme, bay leaf, garlic powder and broccoli.  Bring mixture to boiling.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer 10 minutes or till broccoli is tender.  Remove bay leaf.  Place half the vegetable mixture into blender container or food processor.  Cover and blend 30 to 60 seconds or till smooth.  Pour into bowl.  Repeat with remaining vegetables mixture; set aside.

In the same saucepan melt the butter.  Blend in flour, salt, and pepper.   Add the milk all at once.  Cook and stir till mixture is thickened and bubbly.  Stir in the blended vegetable mixture.  Add about (8oz) Velveeta cheese if desired.  Cook and stir till soup is heated through and cheese is melted.  Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.  Serves 3 or 4.