Cream Of Broccoli Soup
["1 lb. fresh or 1 (20 oz.) pkg. frozen broccoli", "3 medium stalks celery, chopped", "1/2 medium onion, chopped", "4 Tbsp. flour", "1 qt. half and half", "5 Tbsp. butter", "2 (13 oz.) cans chicken broth", "1 tsp. salt", "1/4 tsp. crushed dried tarragon"]
["Cut broccoli into 1/2-inch slices, paring main stems and removing leaves.", "In a medium saucepan, combine fresh broccoli and 1 cup water (1/2 cup for frozen) and steam uncovered for 15 minutes.", "In a large soup pot, melt 4 tablespoons butter.", "Add onion and celery and cook until soft (about 6 minutes).", "Add flour and stir until thoroughly mixed.", "Slowly add chicken broth until mixture slightly thickens.", "Add broccoli and simmer 5 minutes.", "In small batches, puree soup in blender.", "Add cream, salt, pepper and tarragon.", "If desired, stir in 1 cup chopped ham and simmer.", "Serve with grated Cheddar cheese, sprinkled on top."]
["frozen broccoli", "stalks celery", "onion", "flour", "butter", "chicken broth", "salt", "tarragon"]