Broccoli Cheese Soup

This soup an easy one and so yummy. I used to make it with frozen broccoli for convenience, but I like the fresh much better. We like it in bread bowls.

2 T margarine
3 T flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2 cups milk
1 to 1 1/2 cups grated cheese
2 cubes chicken bouillon
1 1/2 cups water
1 head broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces OR about 10 oz frozen broccoli
1 tsp dried onion flakes

In sauce pan, melt butter. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Add milk gradually, stirring with a whisk to keep smooth. Cook until thickened, stirring often. Turn off heat. Add cheese and stir until melted. In separate pan, bring water to a boil and dissolve bouillon. Add broccoli and onions. Cook uncovered until broccoli is tender. Do not drain. Stir broccoli and broth into cheese mixture until fully combined. Serve hot. I like my soup thick, so if it isn't thick enough, I just combine a little cornstarch with water and stir it in a little at a time until it is the consistency that I like.