Asparagus Soup

1/4 cup unsalted butter 1 onion chopped 1 celery stalk chopped 4 cups chicken broth 3 lbs asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1" pieces. Reserve tips. 2 potatoes peeled, 1 inch cubes 2 TBS fresh basil 1/4 cup fat free Half & Half WHITE PEPPER is a must!

In a large saucepan melt butter. Add onion and celery saute 2-3 min. Add stock, asparagus and only 2/3 of tips, potatoes and basil. Bring to boil. Reduce and simmer 20 min. In small batches puree the soup and return to pan. Stir in Half & Half and season with pepper. (Saved asparagus tips - slightly cook then garnish soup just before serving)