Cream of Asparagus Soup

2 cups asparagus chopped into small pieces

1 cup chicken broth

½ cup finely chopped celery

¼ cup finely chopped onion

1/3 cup butter or margarine

¼ cup flour

2 ½ cups chicken broth

½ cup half & half ( can use milk)

½ tsp. pepper

½ tsp. salt

Cook asparagus pieces in 1 cup chicken broth for 12-15 minutes or until tender. 

During cooking, in medium saucepan sauté chopped celery and onion in butter until tender. 

Stir in flour till smooth.  Gradually add 2 ½ cup chicken broth. 

Stir constantly until smooth and thickened.  

Add asparagus, half & half, salt and pepper. 

Heat, stirring often till slightly thickened and bubbly.