CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP WITH PUFF PASTRY

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Roll out a sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 of an inch.
• Cut out 4 or 5 rounds that are slighly smaller then the soup bowls you will be using.
• Place the rounds on the prepared pans.
• Beat together egg and milk in a small bowl; brush the rounds with this mixture using a pasty brush.
• Bake until golden brown and puffed, about 15 minutes.
• Remove to a wire rack and allow to cool.
• Bring the stock to a rapid simmer in a large saucepan.
• Meanwhile, melt the butter with the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
• Add the shallots and saute until translucent, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Stir in the flour and cook about 3 minutes, stirring constantly; do not let mixture turn brown.
• Stir in the mushrooms, salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes.
• Remove from heat and whisk in the simmering stock.
• Return to medium-low heat, cover partially and simmer gently for 20 minutes; remove from heat.
• Puree the soup in a blender or food processor in batches until smooth.
• Return soup to the pot and place over low heat; bring to a simmer.
• Stir in the Marsala or brandy and simmer an additional 3 minutes.
• Stir in the half and half and simmer another 5 minutes; taste and adjust seasoning; remove from heat.
• Stir in the chives and ladle into warm shallow bowls and top each with a puff pastry round; serve immediately.