Recipe Broccoli Cheese Soup VIII

Ingredients
2 1/2 (16 ounce) packages chopped frozen broccoli, thawed
2 cups half-and-half cream
4 cups water, divided
2 pounds processed cheese, cubed
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup cornstarch

Directions
Steam the broccoli in a steamer or in a colander over boiling water until tender and bright green, 15 minutes. Set aside.
In a large microwave safe bowl, combine half-and-half, 2 cups water and cheese. Cook in microwave until cheese is melted and smooth, stirring every 2 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper and garlic powder and cook 2 minutes more. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch and remaining 2 cups water, stirring to dissolve. Whisk the cornstarch mixture into the soup. Return the soup to the microwave, heating and stirring every 2 minutes until thick. Stir in broccoli; heat once more and serve.