Asparagus, Crab & Tarragon Bisque Shanachie

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus
• 1 quart heavy cream
• 1 onion, medium dice
• 1/4 bunch celery, medium dice
• 1/2 carrot, medium dice
• 3/4 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/4 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
• 3/4 tablespoon dry tarragon
• 1 1/2 sprigs fresh tarragon
• 1/2 gallon water
• 2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
• 2 teaspoons white pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 lb unsalted butter
• 1/2 lb flour
• 3/4 lb crabmeat

Directions

1. 1

   Slice the asparagus tips (about 1- 1 1/2 inches) off the spears and reserve. Slice the asparagus spears into thin slices.

2. 2

   In a large soup pot, combine all the ingredients except the crab and the asparagus. Add 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper.

3. 3

   Bring to a simmer, then let the vegetables soften and the flavors meld for about 10 minutes. DO NOT allow the liquid to boil at this time.

4. 4

   Make the roux: add the butter to a sautee pan under medium heat; when the butter has melted, add the flour, mix until the flour has cooked but retains a light color (about 5-7 minutes).

5. 5

   NOTE: any extra roux can be frozen and used at a later time.

6. 6

   Puree the liquid and vegetables, preferably using an immersion blender. If you must use a stand blender (or food processor), put in small batches (no more than 1/3-1/2 the volume of the blender container), so you don't send hot liquid all around and burn yourself.

7. 7

   Strain through a chinois (china cap) or through cheesecloth.

8. 8

   Return the liquid to the soup pot, bring to a boil, and thicken with the roux. Turn the heat down so the liquid simmers but does not boil. Adjust seasonging (salt and pepper) as needed.

9. 9

   Add the crab and heat for 20-30 minutes.

10. 10

    Add the asparagus slices (but NOT the tips) to the soup, allow to simmer for about 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning (salt and pepper) as needed.

11. 11

    Plate into individual soup bowls, garnish with asparagus tips. Serve hot.