Creamy Crab and Sweet Pepper Bisque

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 4 large stalks celery, finely chopped
• 2 large red bell peppers, cored, seeded, and finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons chopped pimientos
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 16 ounces clam juice
• 1/2 cup dry sherry
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces lump crabmeat, well picked over
• Fresh chives for garnish