Winter vegetable soup at Lido Restaurant in Shell Beach

Winter vegetable soupTotal time: 1 hourServings: 6 to 8Note: Adapted from Lido Restaurant. White truffle oil is available at select gourmet markets and most cooking supply stores. The restaurant garnishes the soup with whipped crème fraîche and black truffle shavings, though the chef also suggests garnishing with sauteed mushrooms and a drizzle of truffle oil.2 cups sliced leeks, white part only, cleaned and sliced into 1/4 -inch strips (from about 3 whole) 1/4 cup ( 1/2 stick) butter2 sprigs thyme2 bay leaves4 1/2 cups diced boiling potatoes (from a scant 2 pounds), peeled and diced into 1/4 -inch cubes1 1/2 cups diced parsnips (3 to 4 whole), peeled and diced into 1/4 -inch cubes1 celery root (about 1 pound), peeled and diced into 1/4 -inch cubes1 quart chicken broth, more as desiredSalt and white pepper1 cup heavy creamWhite truffle oil1. In a medium heavy-bottom soup pot heated over medium-high heat, saute the leeks in the butter until tender, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, and being careful not to burn the butter. Stir in the thyme and bay leaves and continue to cook until aromatic, about 1 minute.2. Stir in the potatoes, parsnips, celery root and broth and bring the mixture to a good simmer. Season with one-half teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper, or to taste. Cook until the parsnips begin to become tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the cream. Continue to cook until all of the vegetables are tender, an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaves.3. Purée the soup until smooth using a blender or immersion blender. Strain the soup through a fine mesh strainer and season as desired with additional salt and pepper. Add the truffle oil, a few drops at a time, to taste.4. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately.Each of 8 servings: 299 calories; 4 grams protein; 33 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams fiber; 17 grams fat; 11 grams saturated fat; 58 mg. cholesterol; 5 grams sugar; 602 mg. sodium.