Broccoli cheese soup

2 tablespoons butter
3 Tbsp thicknthin/not starch
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
**2 1/2 cups water
3 cans chicken broth -- about 4 cups (I use one box of Swanson Organic Chicken Broth)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
16 ounces frozen chopped broccoli -- thawed and drained
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped -- finely chopped
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese -- sharp or extra sharp
2 tablespoons chopped chives -- or green onion tops

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add
flour; cook and stir 30 seconds or until bubbly. Add cream,
water, broth, salt, mustard and cayenne pepper; bring to a
simmer over high heat, stirring frequently. Add broccoli
and red pepper; return to a boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer
uncovered 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add cheese; stir over low heat just until cheese melts
(do not boil). Top with chives if desired.

**For a thicker soup, cut back the water by one cup -
From Your lighter side.
Omit olives, bell pepper, chives