Broccoli, Cheddar, & Potato Soup

I made this last night using some of last year's garden broccoli that had been frozen and potatoes from last year.  Doing that, along with using homemade stock gave us a meal that cost less than $2 to feed the whole family, $3 if you include the saltines!  I think next time, I'll try to save a bit more money and add an extra layer of deliciousness by making some bread bowls to serve it in.

Broccoli, Cheddar, Potato Soup

 1/4 cup butter

1 onion, diced

2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp white pepper

2 cups broccoli, fresh or frozen, thawed

4 cups chicken or vegetable stock

3 potatoes, cubed

1 1/2 cups milk

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

8 oz cheddar cheese, cubed

1 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Saute the onion, garlic powder, and white pepper until the onion softens.  Add the broccoli, stock, and potato.  Bring to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes soften.  In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and flour.  Add to the boiling soup and stir until soup thickens.  Remove from heat.  Add cheese, salt, and pepper and stir until cheese has melted.