CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP WITH SHERRY

Steps:

• Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat.
• Add onion, carrot, and celery; saute 6 minutes or until tender.
• Reduce heat to medium; add mushrooms and garlic.
• Cook 7 minutes or until mushrooms are tender, stirring frequently.
• Add water, sage, salt, pepper, and broth; bring to a simmer.
• Cover and simmer for 25 minutes.
• Remove from heat, cool for 5 minutes.
• Place half of mushroom mixture in a blender or food processor; process until smooth.
• Pour pureed soup into a large bowl.
• Repeat procedure with remaining mushroom mixture.
• (NOTE: You can also use a stick blender and puree the soup in the pot.) Return soup to pan.
• Stir in half-and-half and sherry; cook over low heat 5 minutes or until throughly heated, stirring frequently.
• Sprinkle each serving with minced fresh parsley and/or parmesan cheese.