Jan's Cream of Asparagus Soup for the Crock Pot

I found this on the 'net... posted in reply to a request. Jan's Cream of Asparagus Soup for the Crock pot This is not a low-fat recipe, but hey, asparagus is a good excuse to splurge. Note: This is for a 5-quart crock pot, which is larger than the usual. Cut down the proportions if you have a smaller crock pot.

• Ready In: 7 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1  lb fresh asparagus
• 2  onions, minced finely
• 2  potatoes, peeled, diced small
• 2  celery ribs, diced small, with tops included
• 2  carrots, diced
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 8  teaspoons chicken bouillon powder or 8  teaspoons vegetable bouillon granules or 8  bouillon cubes
• 1  bay leaf
• 1  tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1⁄4 cup fresh parsley, chopped or 1  tablespoon dried parsley
• 2  sprigs fresh thyme or 1  teaspoon dried thyme
• 1  sprig fresh tarragon, chopped or 1  teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1⁄4 cup fresh basil, minced or 2  teaspoons dried basil
• 1  teaspoon seasoning salt (or to taste)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1⁄4 cup cornstarch
• 2  cups half-and-half
•  sour cream
•  chives, chopped

Directions

1. Break off and discard the tough, thick end of each asparagus spear.
2. 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.
3. Add water to within 1 inch of the top of the crock pot.
4. Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 6-7 hours.
5. About two hours before serving, use a slotted spoon to remove most of the vegetables to a blender.
6. Use a ladle to add some of the liquid from the crock pot to the blender.
7. Puree the mixture and add back in to the crock pot.
8. 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.
9. Add the corn starch to the remaining half-and-half in the carton.
10. Close the carton well and shake vigorously.
11. Add the mixture to the crock pot.
12. Continue to cook on high for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
13. Serve in bowls with a dollop of sour cream and chopped chives sprinkled on the sour cream.