JAN'S CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP FOR THE CROCK POT

Steps:

• Break off and discard the tough, thick end of each asparagus spear.
• Chop the spears into 1/4-inch slices and add to the crock pot along with all remaining ingredients down to and including the white pepper.
• Add water to within 1 inch of the top of the crock pot.
• Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 6-7 hours.
• About two hours before serving, use a slotted spoon to remove most of the vegetables to a blender.
• Use a ladle to add some of the liquid from the crock pot to the blender.
• Puree the mixture and add back in to the crock pot.
• Repeat once or twice more as necessary (you can leave some of the pieces in the crock pot for effect.) Add approximately 1 cup of the half-and-half to the crock pot.
• Add the corn starch to the remaining half-and-half in the carton.
• Close the carton well and shake vigorously.
• Add the mixture to the crock pot.
• Continue to cook on high for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• Serve in bowls with a dollop of sour cream and chopped chives sprinkled on the sour cream.