HEARTY CREAM OF ARTICHOKE SOUP

Steps:

• Bring 1 cup of chicken stock to a boil over med-high heat in a saucepan.
• Add in artichokes; lower heat to med-low and simmer, uncovered, for 6-7 minutes.
• In another saucepan, melt the butter.
• Add in onion, celery, and garlic; stir/saute 5-6 minutes.
• Add in flour; stir until bubbly.
• Add in artichoke/stock mixture and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
• Transfer mixture to a food processor or blender and process until chunky (may have to do this in batches) (also may use a stick blender).
• Return to saucepan; add in remaining stock, half-and-half, salt, and pepper; simmer 5-10 minutes or until flavors are blended.
• Ladle into individual soup bowls and float a lemon slice on top.
• Note: for a richer soup, reduce stock to 1 1/2 cups and increase half-and-half to 1 cup.