Broccoli Soup

2 cups brocolli
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1 bay leaf
Dash of garlic powder
2 T butter
2 T flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk

In a saucepan combine chicken broth, onion, thyme, bay leaf, & garlic powder. Bring mixture to boiling. Reduce heat; cover & simmer for 10 min. Remove the bay leaf. Place mixture in blender (you will have to do this a couple of times because it all won't fit in the blender at once.) Blend until smooth & pour into a large bowl. In the same saucepan, melt butter, then blend in the flour & salt. Add milk. Cook & stir until the mixture is thick & bubbly. Stir in the vegetable mixture. Cook & stir until heated. Season with salt & pepper. Serve in bread bowls if desired & top w/cheese.

-Lucinda