Wash hands with soap and water.

In a saucepan combine chicken broth, chopped onion, broccoli, thyme, bay leaf, and garlic powder. Bring mixture to boiling. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaf.

Place half of the mixture in a blender or food processor, cover, and blend for 30 to 60 seconds until smooth. Pour into a bowl and repeat with the remaining vegetable mixture. Set blended mixture aside.

In the same saucepan, warm the vegetable oil. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper. Add the milk all at once, stirring rapidly with a wire whisk. Cook and stir until mixture is thickened and bubbly.