Smoked Mussel Soup

A rich bisque-type soup that is easy to make using canned soup and mussels, but tastes "fancy".

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 (10 3/4ounce) can  condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2 (3 2/3ounce) cans  smoked mussels, drained and mashed with a fork into a paste
• 1  fresh tomato, peeled, seeded and chopped
• 1 1⁄2 cups milk
• 1 1⁄2 cups water
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried herbs, mixed (thyme, marjoram, oregano, etc.)
• 1  tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1  cup heavy cream
• 2  tablespoons dry sherry (not cooking sherry)
• 1  pinch sugar
•  salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, mix the chicken soup, mussel paste, tomato, milk and water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from the heat.
2. Combine the dry herbs, flour and cream. Add to the soup mixture and stir over low heat until hot, but not boiling.
3. Remove from heat and add the sherry and sugar. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Serve in bowls with slices of crusty bread.