Broccoli-Cheese Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli
• 1 pint half-and-half
• 2 cups water
• 1 pound pasteurized process cheese spread (like Velveeta)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (cornflour) mixed with 1 cup cold water

Instructions:

Steam broccoli until tender (can cook in microwave on high power, 6 minutes per pound). Place half-and-half and water in the top of a double boiler. Add cheese (cut in pieces), salt and pepper. Heat until all the cheese is melted. Add broccoli. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir into the cheese mixture in the double boiler, and heat over simmering water until soup thickens.