Cream of Broccoli Soup

3 cups cut broccoli

3 cups cups chicken broth

1 cup chopped onion

1 teaspoon ground thyme

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 bay leaf (make sure to remove after soup is finished simmering)

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablspoons flour

1 tespoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 1/2 cups milk

2-3 tablespoons sour cream (optional)

In med size covered saucepan combine chicken broth, chopped onion, broccoli, thyme, bay leaf and garlic powder. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until broccoli is tender. Remove bay leaf! (This is very important to do before blending soup.)

Blend with immersion blender or you can transfer mixture half at a time to regular blender or food processor. Cover and blend until smooth. Set aside.

In small saucepan melt butter. Blend in flour, salt, and pepper. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir until mixture is thick and bubbly. Stir flour mixture into blended vegetable mixure over medium heat and soup is thickened. At this point taste and adjust seasoning. Sour cream can be added at this point or serve aside soup . Enjoy!

P.S. Soup can be frozen in plastic containers.