Cream of Mushroom Soup

Dcooler weather is coming. How about a couple of cream soups this week?

2 1/2 ounces dried wild mushrooms

1 1/2 pounds mixed fresh mushrooms

4 tablespoons butter, or as needed, divided

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped garlic

1/4 cup red wine or port

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Pinch of cayenne

Salt and pepper to taste

5 cups beef stock

1 cup half & half

2 lrge egg yolks

Put the dried mushrooms in a small heatproof bowl and cover with warm water. Microwave until simmering gently; carefully remove; top with a small saucer, and weight it down so all the mushrooms are submerged. Soak for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Lift the mushrooms from the soaking liquid, leaving any sediments behind. Squeeze the mushrooms, reserving the soaking liquid; strain it through fine mesh strainer and set aside. Coarsely chop the reconstituted mushrooms and set aside.

Coarsely chop the fresh mushrooms and, working in batches, sauté them in butter as needed over medium-high heat until flecked with brown; transfer to a large mixing bowl, toss with the lemon juice amd reserved reconstituted mushrooms and set aside.

Wipe out the skillet, add 2 tablespoons butter, and melt over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until the onions are translucent, 10 to 12 minutes; do not brown. Add the wine and soy sauce, and cook, stirring, until most of the liquid has evaporated; remove from heat and add thyme, cayenne, and salt and pepper to taste. Transfer skillet contents to mixing bowl with mushrooms and combine.

Working in batches, process the mixture in the bowl of a food processor until finely chopped and then transfer to a 3-quart saucepan. Add the reserved mushroom soaking liquid and the beef stock and bring to a low simmer; cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Add the half & half.

Whisk the egg yolks in a small bowl, adding about 1/2 cup of the soup a spoonful at a time to temper the yolks; stir into soup, and cook, stirring, until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.

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Enjoy!!!

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