Creamy Cream of Mushroom Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 -2 tablespoon fresh minced garlic (optional or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 6 cups fresh sliced mushrooms
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 6 tablespoons flour (1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons)
• 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans chicken broth, undiluted
• 1 cup 18% table cream
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/3-1/2 cup parmesan cheese (optional or to taste)
• salt (to taste)