Celery Apple Bisque - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 bunch celery, chopped
6 medium shallots, sliced
2 apples, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon butter
1 teaspoon celery seed
4 ounces apple brandy
8 ounces apple cider
1 large potato, chopped
1 quart vegetable stock
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 ounces creme fraiche or 4 ounces sour cream

Preparation

In a large heavy pot over low heat, saute the celery, shallots, and apples in oil and butter until beginning to brown, about 10 minutes.
Add the celery seed and apple brandy, deglazing the bottom of the pot with the liquid.
Add the apple cider, potato, and vegetable stock and simmer until potato is cooked, about 15 to 20 minutes.
With a blender or food processor, puree the soup.
Using a sieve, pressing through with a spatula if necessary, strain the soup to remove the solids; discard solids.
Season soup to taste with salt and pepper, and garnish each serving with a dollop of creme fraiche or sour cream.