Baked Potato Soup

3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 can chicken broth
4 medium baking potatoes, peeled, but into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 c. half and half

Melt butter in saucepan on medium heat. Add flour and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add chicken broth. Add potatoes, salt, pepper, basil and garlic salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. Stir in half and half, heat through. Add mixture to blender and blend until smooth. Garnish with crumbled bacon, grated cheese, sour cream, and/or chopped green onion.