Cream of Broccoli Soup

Cream of Broccoli Soup
6 cups chicken stock or broth
1 tablespoon dried minced onion or 1 small white onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8-10 cups broccoli florets
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Crumbled cooked bacon, optional
Shredded cheddar cheese, optional
Pour chicken stock into a large pot. Add onion, garlic and broccoli florets. Bring to a boil; covet and simmer until broccoli is tender. Purée florets with stock in a blender or food processor. Return mixture to pot, add heavy cream and heat through. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot with crumbled cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Serves 4 to 6.