Creamed Asparagus Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus fresh
• 3 tablespoons butter 
• 1 cup chicken broth 
• 0.5 cup approx cream cheese spread 
• 1 large clove garlic minced
• 1  leek sliced
• 0.3 cup milk 
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 1 cup water 

Equipment

• bowl
• sauce pan
• blender

Directions

1. Melt butter in medium saucepan on medium heat.
2. Add leeks; cook 5 min. or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic; cook and stir 2 min.
3. Add asparagus, broth and water; stir. Simmer on medium-low heat 5 min. or until asparagus is crisp-tender. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Meanwhile, mix cream cheese spread and milk until well blended.
5. Add asparagus mixture to blender, in batches; blend until smooth. Spoon into soup bowls.
6. Add cream cheese mixture; swirl gently with spoon.