Broccoli Cheese Soup

I love to make soup in the winter. Tonight I made one of our favorites.... broccoli cheese. Here's the recipe:

4 cups broccoli florets
cover with water and cook until tender (do not drain)
Make cheese sauce:
Melt one stick butter in pot
Add 1/2 cup flour and stir into butter until smooth
Stir in one pint half and half until thick
Add 1 tsp salt
and 1/2 tsp pepper
Add two cups grated sharp cheddar cheese.
Stir until cheese melts and add to broccoli.
Mix well and serve in bread bowls or with warm french bread.

Sometimes I replace the broccoli with potatoes for potato cheese soup.
Yum!!