Broccoli Cheddar Soup

I don't think of myself as a soup person, but this week we have had more soup than ever before!  This one is fabulous!  We paired it with the twist breadsticks posted earlier and the ENTIRE family loved this meal!

• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 onion, cut into medium dice
• 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 2 (16 ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole or 2% milk
• salt to taste
• 1 pound shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

1. Melt butter over medium heat in a stockpot. Cook onion in butter until softened. Add garlic and pepper; cook for 1 minute then stir in broccoli, and stir in chicken broth. Bring to a boil and simmer until broccoli is tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile whisk flour into milk until dissolved. Pour into soup stirring frequently until thickened. Reduce heat and stir cheese in until melted and heated through.