Broccoli Cheese Soup

I love making this soup, because you can make it on the stove in about a half hour or cook it all day in a crock.

12 cups water
20 ounces chopped broccoli (or if you're me, much more)
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
4 teaspoons salt
pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons garlic powder
16 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups milk
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup flour
1 cup cold water

Bring water to boil.  Add broccoli and onion; boil 10-12 minutes or until onions are transparent.  Add seasonings, milk, cream, butter, and cheese.  Stir until cheese melts and soup has a creamy texture.  Mix together flour and cold water for a thickener.  Add to soup, stirring rapidly and cook until soup is thick.