Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds cremini mushrooms (use any variety you like)
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
2-3 large shallots, peeled and finely diced
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 Tbsp flour
1/2 cup Marsala wine
2 cups chicken stock (or veggie stock)
2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
6 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed, cut in chunks

Serves: 4 - 6

Method:

Set oven to 200C

Brush the mushrooms with a clean dish towel to clean them, do not get them wet.

Trim the stem ends, and then quarter the mushrooms. Put on a dry baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, tossing them a couple of times. They will lose their moisture, shrink up, and brown.

Meanwhile melt the butter in a large skillet and saute the shallots for 5 minutes, then add the garlic and saute another 5 minutes until the shallot has softened.

Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for a minute. Add the wine and stir to deglaze the pan.

Add the stock, the mushrooms, and the fresh thyme, and bring up to a simmer. Turn down the heat, cover and gently simmer for about 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and fresh cracked black pepper.

Add the cream and the cubed Brie. Stir to melt the cheese.

Puree the soup, in batches. Taste to adjust the seasonings, and add a bit more stock or water if it seems too thick.

Serve with a garnish of sliced mushrooms and more fresh thyme.

Contributor: Cam