Fontina and Asparagus Soup

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (50 mL) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) all-purpose flour 50 mL
• 4 cups ( 1 L) milk
• 2 cups 500 mL) chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 tsp (5 mL) salt
• Pinch cayenne pepper
• Pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 bunch asparagus
• trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2/5 cm) pieces
• 2 cups 500 mL) shredded fontina cheese
• tossed with 1 tbsp (15 mL) all-purpose flour
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Cheesy Croutons

Instructions

1. In a large soup pot, melt butter over medium-high heat.
2. Sprinkle with flour and saute until foamy, about 2 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in milk, stock, salt, cayenne and nutmeg; reduce heat and simmer, whisking, until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add asparagus and simmer, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Using an immersion blender, or in a food processor or blender in batches, puree soup until smooth.
6. Return to the pot, if necessary.
7. Add cheese, 1/2 cup (125 mL) at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon after each addition until cheese is melted.
8. Return pot to low heat, if necessary, to keep soup hot and melt cheese.
9. Do not let boil.
10. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
11. Ladle into heated bowls and garnish with croutons.