Mushroom Cashew Bisque

Directions

To make cashew creme: Purée cashews and ¼ cup water in blender or food processor.

Slowly add another ¼ cup water to make a smooth creme.

To make bisque: Rince and soak dried mushrooms in one cup hot stock tomake broth. Drain and reserve liquid. Finely chop rehydrated mushrooms and set aside.

Sauté onions, carrots and celery in olive and sesame oils over medium heat until lightly browned.

Add garlic, fresh and rehydrated mushrooms and 4 tablespoon reserved mushroom liquid. Continue tocook until mushrooms are soft, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Add sherry, bay leaf, pepper, soy sauce, parsley, remaining mushroom liquid and water. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Remove from heat, reserve 2 cups liquid and cool to room temperature.

Whisk together flour and reserved liquid until smooth.

Bring soup back to simmer and stir in flour mixture, cashew butter and cashew creme. Heat for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.