1/4 cup butter OR margarine
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1/2-1 tsp coarsely ground pepper
5 cups milk
1 (46 oz) can v8 juice OR 4 (11 1/2 oz) cans picante v8 juice
1 cup frozen pearl OR small whole onions, thawed

in a large saucepan, melt butter. stir in the flour, salt & pepper until blended. gradually whisk in milk. bring to a boil; cook & stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. in another saucepan, bring v8 to a boil. reduce heat; gradually whisk in white sauce. add onions; heat through.

10 servings (about 2 3/4 qts)

NOTE: IF A SMOOTHER SOUP IS DESIRED, COOL & PUREE IN BATCHES IN A BLENDER BEFORE ADDING THE ONIONS.