Easy Cream of Broccoli Soup

On one of those lazy days, cream of broccoli soup is the dish that I prepare for myself; it takes only a few ingredients in the kitchen and about 10 minutes of preparation. Cut off the heavy cream and replace it with milk or in combination with half-and-half to make this soup is less fattening. Using a good vegetable stock or chicken stock will add more flavor for this soup and is definitely a recipe to keep.
Ingredients:
4 cups of broccoli florets
2 tbs butter
2 tbs flour
1/2 cup chopped white onions
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 tsp minced garlic (optional)
1 tsp salt
Black pepper to taste
2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
1/2 cup half-and-half
1 cup of skim or whole milk

Directions:

In a medium saucepan, sauté garlic, onion and celery for 5 minutes. Add flour and stir for 2 minutes. Add the stock and bring to boil. Add broccoli florets. Bring it back to boil. Let broccoli simmer for 5 minutes. Use the hand-held blender to blend the broccoli until completely mashed.

Add milk and half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper. Bring it back to boil. Turn heat off and ladle into the soup bowl. Enjoy!