Wednesday, October 22, 2008

AUTUMN 'S 'FLAMING TORCHES' ~ WILD MUSHROOM SOUP with ASIAGO TOASTS

"October's poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter. "
~Nova Bair
WILD MUSHROOM SOUP with ASIAGO TOASTS
~ A sipping soup that tastes of autumn
(adapted from Food & Wine 2007)
__________
6 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 lb. thinly sliced baby bella mushrooms
1 chopped red onion
2 minced shallots
1 1/2 lbs. trimmed mixed wild mushrooms
2 Tbsp. Cognac
2 1/2 quarts organic chicken stock
10 sprigs chopped fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
3/4 cup heavy cream
coarse salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 cup (4 oz.) freshly grated Asiago cheese
1/4 cup cream cheese
1 large egg yolk
1 (1/4 inch sliced) toasted baguette
1/4 cup snipped chives
  • Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in large saucepan. Ad mushrooms and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally until golden, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  • Melt remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in saucepan. Ad onion and shallots and cook until softened. Add wild mushrooms and cook, stirring until tender, about 20 minutes. Add Cognac and cook until evaporated. Stir in stock, and snipped thyme, bay leaves and cooked baby bella mushrooms. Bring to s simmer and reduce heat , cooking on moderately low for 45 minutes. Discard bay leaves.
  • Working in small batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to saucepan and stir in cream. Season with salt & pepper.
  • Blend Asiago cheese, cream cheese and egg yolk in small blender until creamy. Spread mixture on baguette toasts and arrange on baking sheet.
  • Preheat broiler and broil toasts for about 2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  • Ladle soup into shallow bowls and float Asiago toasts on top. Garnish with chives and serve. (10 servings)

~ Autumn aflame

(Bloomfield Village)

11 comments:

garden girl said...

mmmm. . . that sounds delicious!

Anonymous said...

Just look at all those flames! Great shots! And mushroom soup? Yum!

Monica the Garden Faerie said...

My personal taste buds would fill up on asiago toast and maybe get to the soup later, LOL! Carbs are my friends. The fall photo collage is lovely--nice shots and such vibrant, saturated colors! Fall has always been my favorite season, and has remained such, even as I've become a crazy obsessed gardener.
~ Monica

Anonymous said...

Yum...I love mushroom soup. This sounds like a delicious recipe Joey. Your photos of the trees in fall color are gorgeous.

joey said...

Grab a spoon, Garden Girl! Thanks.

Thanks Nancy ~ autumn is striking!

The asiago toast IS tasty, Monica. I think we all are craving a few more carbs now that the weather has snapped (near freezing this AM, as you know, and stalling before venturing out into the shady part of my garden)!

Thanks P.G. ~ my neighborhood is indeed lovely.

Bren Haas said...

This is my favorite time of year... well... until spring comes! Aren't the days just like a dream with all those fabulous color.

Your #1 Fan!

Anonymous said...

The colours on these photos are wonderful. A glorious montage.
K

spookydragonfly said...

Hi Joey...You've been nominated for an award! Stop by my blog to pick it up!

joey said...

Dearest Bren ... indeed these days are rich and beautiful. Thank you for each delightful visit (your #1 fan ;)

Thanks Karen ... though far apart, we live life on a similar planes ;)

marmee said...

sweet joey, what a delight for the eyes and this soup and toast sounds wonderful. i would like to have a seat at your table anyday with all your yummy recipes.
i like the effect of the first photo>.

joey said...

Thank you, Sweet Spooky ~ I'm indeed honored. I've added the award and when hit will link back to you, dear friend, and your beautiful Wishnik Woods.

Thank you, dearest Marmee ~ do come for there is always plenty to share (like loaves & fishes) with soup either simmering on the back burner or in the frig ... can't live without it! Off to the cottage tomorrow for another cooking bonanza with family ;)