Broccoli& Cheese Barley Soup

4 c Water

14 1/2 oz Reduced sodium chicken broth

-- (canned) about 1-3/4 cups 1/2 c Chopped onion

1/2 c Medium QUAKER Barley*

2 Garlic cloves -- minced

1/2 ts Salt (optional)

1/8 ts Black pepper

2 c Chopped broccoli -- OR...

9 oz -Frozen broccoli

1 1/2 c Skim or low-fat milk

1/4 c All-purpose flour

4 oz Reduced fat cheddar cheese

-- shredded

In 4-quart saucepan or Dutch oven, combine water, broth, onion, barley, garlic, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover. Simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broccoli; continue simmering 15 to 20 minutes or until barley and broccoli are tender. Combine 1/2 cup milk and flour, mixing until well blended. Gradually stir into soup with remaining milk and cheese. Continue cooking over medium heat about 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Add additional water or chicken broth if soup becomes too thick upon standing. *NOTE: To user Quick QUAKER Barley, substitute 2/3 cup quick barley for medium barley and decrease water to 3 cups. In 4-quart saucepan or Dutch oven, combine all ingredients except milk, flour and cheese. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until barley and broccoli are tender. Proceed as 2nd paragraph directs.