Asparagus Soup 4ever

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Every year I wait patiently for the start of asparagus season because in season asparagus is something you can't beat. Cream of asparagus soup is a spring stable of mine- the combination of the sweet asparagus and the richness of the cream and butter is one of my favorite indulgences. This soup will not help you get ready for bikini season- sorry. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 bunch asparagus spears, cleaned and trimmed 
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 1 shallot
  • 2T olive oil 
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 cube unsalted butter
  • 4 cups of vegetable stock
  • 1 cup heavy whipping creme 

Optional Toppings:

  • pepita seeds
  • yoghurt 
  • blackened asparagus tips

In a medium saucepan add your onions, shallots and garlic with olive oil over medium heat until translucent. Cut your asparagus spears in half and add to the saucepan with a cube of unsalted butter and salt to taste. Add your vegetable stock and simmer for 25 min or until your asparagus break apart easily with a fork. Grab a slotted spoon and remove your asparagus, onions, garlic and shallots into a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Add your asparagus mixture back into your vegetable broth and stir slowly until soup thickens. Add one cup of heavy whipping cream and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with roasted pepita seeds, blackened asparagus tips and a swirl of greek yoghurt. 

Enjoy with pita or garlic toast. 

Photography by the talented: Ayah Abukhazneh

Check out her latest projects here: http://consumedbyfog.com

 

Valentine's Day: Chocolate & cheese board lovin'

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Nothing says love more than cheese. Surprise your partner this Valentine's Day with the ultimate sweet and salty pairing: chocolate and cheese. It's really easy. Follow these simple cheese and chocolate pairing rules here to create the perfect board.

  • Dark Chocolate: Stick with aged and blue cheeses. You will want something with less milk content. Think less creamy, and more nutty, salty goodness like Gouda, Parmesan and Cheddar. Blue Cheese also makes a great dark chocolate pairing. The chocolate notes can bring out the light fruit and floral notes in the cheese. 
  • Milk Chocolate: Work on mirroring the flavors in the cheese and chocolate here. Creamy, buttery cheeses like Triple Cream Brie or Camembert can work wonders on milk chocolate. I like to melt out the chocolate myself so I can add Maldon salt, coconut flakes or dried flower.