Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Soup With Crisp Cheese Croutons

Hag chef's Note:

A light soup rich in flavour and topped with crunchy, cheesy croutons is a lovely start to a festive meal. If you would like a deeper mushroom flavour, use cremini or other exotic mushrooms. The flavours benefit from being made ahead, so make the soup a day or two ahead and reheat before serving, which also makes for easy entertaining. Be sure to make the croutons just before you serve the soup, for the crispiest texture. The aroma as they toast in the oven will tantalize everyone's taste buds. A hard cheese that can be very finely grated is best for the croutons. Try Parmesan, Romano, Manchego, Asiago or very well aged Gouda or cheddar (at least 5 years old). Use the finest grater you have to shred the cheese. From LCBO magazine.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 leeks, white and light green parts only, finely sliced
• 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar
• 4 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons brandy, Cognac or 2 tablespoons sherry wine
• 6 cups chicken stock (preferably low sodium) or 6 cups vegetable stock (preferably low sodium)

Croutons

• 1/4 baguette, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, about 2 cups
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 cup hard sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded

Directions:

1. Melt butter over medium heat in a large pot. Cook leeks and sugar, stirring, for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring often, for about 30 minutes or until starting to caramelize. Increase heat to medium-high and stir in mushrooms, thyme, and ¼ tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for about 10 minutes or until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown.
2. Stir in brandy and cook, stirring, until evaporated. Stir in stock and bring to boil, scraping up brown bits stuck to pot. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until flavours are blended. (Soup can be cooled, covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat to steaming before serving.).
3. Just before serving, make the croutons. Preheat oven to 450ºF (230ºC).
4. In a bowl, drizzle bread cubes with melted butter and toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese and toss to evenly coat, pressing to adhere cheese if necessary. Spread out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 8 minutes or until deep golden and crispy (watch closely that they don't burn). Remove from baking sheet immediately using a spatula and transfer to a bowl.
5. Season soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into warmed bowls and serve topped with hot croutons.