Creamy Mushroom Soup – Lodge Cast Iron

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 700gr. cremini mushrooms, sliced
• ¼ cup sherry
• ½ tablespoon thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 12 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 8 cups chicken stock, divided
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 3 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon pepper