Celery And Pear Bisque Recipes

Steps:

• Melt butter in pot over medium-high heat. Add sliced celery, generous 3 cups diced pears, leek tops, bay leaves, and thyme. Cover; cook until celery softens, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Toss in flour. Stir in 3 cups broth; bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until celery is tender, about 20 minutes.
• Remove bay leaves from soup. Puree soup in batches in blender until smooth. Return puree to same pot. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Thin with more broth by 1/4 cupfuls, if desired. Rewarm briefly.
• Divide soup among bowls; garnish with 1/2 cup finely diced pear and celery leaves.

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat; saute leeks 3 minutes. Add parsnips and celery root; cook and stir 4 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in stock, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender, 25-30 minutes., Puree soup using an immersion blender. Or, cool slightly and puree soup in batches in a blender; return to pan. Stir in cream, parsley and lemon juice; heat through. Serve with chives and, if desired, pomegranate seeds.

Steps:

• Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium high heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot; cook without browning, stirring constantly, 4 minutes or unitl vegetables are tender. Add thyme and rice; cook 1 minute more.
• Add broth to saucepan; reduce to medium. Cook 15 minutes or until rice is very tender. Season with salt and pepper.
• Purée mixture in blender with cream; serve immediately.
• SERVING TIPS: Serve with a garnish of croutons, additional diced celery or a sprinkling of minced herbs. Makes an excellent accompaniment to any entrée featuring chicken breast.

Steps:

• Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add celery and leeks. Sauté until celery is slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Add potatoes and 4 cups broth. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, until all vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return to same pot. Whisk in 1/3 cup crème fraîche and cayenne pepper. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cool, then cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat before serving, adding more broth to thin if desired.)
• Ladle soup into bowls. Swirl 1 to 2 teaspoons additional crème fraîche into each. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired. Serve with Stilton Toasts.