Shiitake mushrooms, which have a meaty andsucculent texture, and oyster mushrooms that have a delicate herbal taste aredelicious in this soup. Serve this soup with the Asian Greens and Radish Saladin Chapter 5 and a crusty French bread.
Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a medium-size pot and set the remaining butter aside.
Add the mushrooms and celery and cook for 10 minutes over medium heat or until the celery is tender.
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and melt.
Sprinkle on the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute or until the butter and flour form a paste.
Add the brandy (if desired) and stir in.
Pour in the half-and-half and the broth.
Simmer the soup for 5 minutes or until it is smooth.
Stir in the scallions, dill, salt, and pepper and simmer another minute.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Vary It!
For an elegant yet fast presentation sure to be a hit when you’re entertaining, pour the soup into 4 small ovenproof bowls. Thaw a sheet of frozen puff pastry and cut out four circles, each the diameter of the top of the soup bowls. Place a circle of puff pastry over each bowl and make 2 to 3 slashes for steam to escape. Place the bowls on a cookie sheet and bake in a preheated 400-degree oven for 10 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown.