Cream of Mushroom Soup

This was my favorite soup growing up. I used to always have a few cans of it around -- that is until I learned how easy it is to make.

you'll need:
5 cups sliced mushrooms (as if I ever really measure) 
3 cups chicken broth 
1/2 chopped onion 
a few sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1/8 tsp dry) 
3 tbsp butter 
3 tbsp flour 
1 cup half & half 
2 tbsp sherry 
salt & pepper to taste 
about half an hour

Sauté mushrooms in broth with onion & thyme until tender (about 15 minutes).

Pureé the mixture (carefully!), leaving chunks as you wish (O do).

In a heavy pan, melt butter & whisk in flour until smooth (in other words, make roux).

Add half & half to roux & add that to the other pot full, along with pepper &/or salt as you wish. Stirring constantly, bring the mixture to a low boil until it thickens up.

Adjust seasonings, add sherry & serve it up with bread & a salad.

Serves 4.