Creamy Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• 1 small onion
• 2 carrots, peeled (about 1 cup of sliced carrots)
• 2 stalks celery (about 1 cup of sliced celery)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 6 sprigs of parsley
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon salt (optional)
• 2 quarts chicken stock
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 2 tablespoons brandy
• pepper
• Parmesan cheese for garnish