Russian Mushroom and Potato Soup - Cooking by the Book

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 leeks, chopped
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons dried dill weed
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup half-and-half
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• Fresh dill weed, for garnish (optional)
• Those croutons for garnish (essential!)