RED PEPPER VICHYSSOISE

Steps:

• Cut the peppers into thirds; remove seeds and membranes. Place the peppers in a large saucepan; add water to cover. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 6 minutes. Drain and let cool. This will make it easy to remove the skins of the peppers. Remove and discard the skin from the peppers. Place the peppers in a blender, and cover and process until smooth. Make sure you stop at least once to scrape down the sides of the blender. Cover and chill thoroughly.
• Saute leeks in the butter in a Dutch oven over medium high heat, stirring constantly, until tender. Add broth and potato. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer partially covered for 30 minutes or until the potato is tender.
• Place half of the potato-leek mixture in the container of a blender; cover and process until smooth, stopping once to scrape down the sides. Repeat the procedure with the remaining potato mixure.
• Stir in the whipping cream, salt, and pepper. Cover and chill thoroughly.
• Combine the pepper mixture and the potato mixture. Stir well. To serve, ladle cold soup into individual bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of Creme Fraiche and garnish with chopped chives.