Emeril Lagasse's Potato, Onion & Roquefort Soup

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 3 lbs yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup light cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup crumbled Roquefort cheese, , or other creamy blue cheese
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons tawny port
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions

1. 1

   In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat.

2. 2

   Add the onions and cook, stirring, until just beginning to caramelize, about 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.

4. 4

   Add the potatoes, salt, pepper, cayenne, and bay leaf, and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes.

5. 5

   Add the stock and bring to a boil.

6. 6

   Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 25 to 30 minutes.

7. 7

   Remove and discard the bay leaf.

8. 8

   Remove from the heat and puree until smooth.

9. 9

   Add the light and heavy creams, and stir well to blend.

10. 10

    Gently reheat and barely simmer; careful not to boil.

11. 11

    Add 3/4 cup of the cheese, the thyme, and Port, and whisk until the cheese is just melted.

12. 12

    Adjust the seasonings, to taste.

13. 13

    Top each serving with some of the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese and the crumbled bacon.