1 pound fresh broccoli, cut to 1" pcs

1 med onion, coarsely chopped

2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans condensed

   chicken broth, undiluted

3/4 cup water

2 Tablespoons butter or margarine

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 cup whipping cream or half and

     half

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

 

Combine first 4 ingredients in a large saucepan: bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 8 minutes or until veggies are tender:  cool. Pour broccoli mixture into the container of an electric blender.  Process until smooth, stopping once to scrape down sides of blender.  Set aside. Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat: add flour, stirring until smooth.  Cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden. Add broccoli mixture; cook over med heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbly.  Stir in whipping cream, salt, and garlic powder.  Spoon into individual serving bowls.