Broccoli Mascarpone Soup

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 and 1/2 cups sliced shallots (about 6 large)

• 1 and 1/2 pounds broccoli florets, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 1 and 1/2 cups (12 ounces) mascarpone cheese, divided

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat.

2. Add shallots. Saute 3 minutes.

3. Add broccoli. Saute 1 minute.

4. Add broth and bring to a boil.

5. Reduce the heat to medium-low.

6. Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.

7. Cool slightly.

8. Working in batches, transfer soup to blender; puree until smooth.

9. Return to pot.

10. Reserve 1/4 cup mascarpone in small bowl. Cover and chill.

11. Whisk 1 and 1/4 cups mascarpone and cayenne pepper into soup.

12. Season with salt.

13. Ladle soup into bowls.

14. Garnish with reserved mascarpone.

15. Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve. Serves 8.