Broccoli/mushroom Chowder

Ingredients

2 lb broccoli
8 oz mushrooms
1 c butter
1 c flour
4 c chicken broth
1 t salt
1/4 ts pepper
1 t tarragon leaves

Instructions

This recipe was submitted to Country Woman by Lorrie Arthur and it is delicious. Clean and cut broccoli into 1/2 inch pieces. Steam in 1/2 cup water until tender/crisp (I nuke them for 3 to 4 minutes) do not drain. Set aside. Clean and slice mushrooms. In a large pan over medium heat, melt butter; add flour to make a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 4 minutes; do not let brown. Stir in chicken broth; bring just to a boil. Turn heat to low; add broccoli, mushrooms, half-and-half and seasonings. Heat through but do not boil. Makes 8 servings. NOTE: This recipe works well cut in half. Last night I made it using broccoli and mushrooms that had been taking up space in the reefer for awhile and were rubbery. Still tasted great. I usually serve with fresh bread (made of course in my bread machine.)