Chilled Cream of Asparagus Soup

Asparagus is another vegetable that I haven't always loved, but now am crazy about. Thank goodness for adulthood!

I had a really tasty cream of asparagus soup this week and thought about how refreshing it would be served cold. So here goes, a creamy delicious cold asparagus soup (or serve it hot if you like):

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 lbs fresh asparagus

• 1 yellow or white onion, chopped

• 1 stalk celery, chopped

• 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley

• 1 teaspoon chopped thyme

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• salt and pepper

Preparation:

1. Melt butter and olive oil in large saucepan or stockpot.

2. Add chopped onion, parsley, and thyme to pot.

3. Cut tips off of half the asparagus and set aside. These will be added for garnish later.

4. Cut off the tough bottom inch or so from the asparagus spears. Chop the asparagus into 1-inch pieces and add to the pot.

5. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the asparagus is soft.

6. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, and simmer for another 10 minutes.

7. Now it's time to puree the soup. If you have an immersion blender, this is the time to use it. Otherwise, use your blender or food processor. Let the soup cool for 5 minutes, then blend the soup in batches. Only fill the blender halfway, and cover the top with a dish towel.

8. When the soup is all pureed and smooth, put it back in the pot. Add the heavy cream and heat gently until hot but not boiling. Add salt and pepper to taste.

9. Heat a small pan of water to boiling and add the asparagus tips (remember them?). Boil for 2-3 minutes.

10. Remove soup and asparagus tips from heat and let everything cool to room temperature. Then put the soup in a bowl covered with plastic wrap. Place the asparagus tips in a plastic bag. Refrigerate everything for a few hours, and up to 2-3 days.

11. Serve the soup topped with the asparagus tips. You can also sprinkle with dill, or add a dollop of sour cream.

Add a grilled chicken breast and a crusty baguette, and you have an awesome summer meal. Don't overthink the heavy cream part. This is a rich, low carb, nutrient-dense soup that you can enjoy without guilt.