Curried Chicken Soup

3 tablespoons butter
1 finely chopped onion
1 small apple
3 teaspoons good curry powder
4 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup green peas
1 teaspoon salt & pepper
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups coconut milk or light cream
8 ounces finely diced chicken breast

Melt the butter in a pan. Add the onion and sliced apple and cook very slowly until quite soft without browning. Add the curry powder and cook slowly for another 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in the flour and add salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir in the broth until smooth. Stir over heat until the soup comes to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Add the green peas, chicken, and coconut milk or cream. Heat through without boiling, and serve.