GOURMET'S ROASTED CAULIFLOWER SOUP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Cut cauliflower into 1-inch flowerets (about 10 cups).
• In a large baking pan toss cauliflower, garlic, and shallots with oil to coat and roast in middle of oven about 30 minutes, or until golden.
• Turn frequently and remove any of the garlic and shallots if they are done soone.
• In a 4-quart pot simmer stock/broth, water, roasted cauliflower mixture, and herbs 30 minutes, or until cauliflower is very tender.
• Discard bay leaf and in a blender puree soup in batches until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids), transferring to a bowl.
• Return soup to pot and stir in cream and salt and pepper to taste.
• Heat soup over moderate heat until just heated through.
• Note: You can easily alter the proportions of stock, water and cream to taste.