Kennett Square Mushroom Soup

We use to live near the mushroom capital of the world, Kennett Square, PA and this is my favorite mushroom soup recipe.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup butter or 1⁄4 cup margarine
• 1⁄4 cup flour
• 2  cups chicken broth
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 -2  bay leaf
• 2⁄3 cup  finely chopped celery
• 1⁄4 cup  finely chopped onion
• 3  tablespoons  cooking oil
• 4 -5  cups  sliced fresh mushrooms
• 2⁄3 cup half-and-half cream

Directions

1. In a 2 quart saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour until smooth.
2. Gradually stir in broth until smooth. Add salt, pepper and bay leaves.
3. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Meanwhile, in another saucepan, saute the celery and onion in oil until tender. Add mushrooms; cook and stir until tender.
5. Add veggies to broth mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add cream and heat through. Discard bay leaves and serve.