Artichoke Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• The hearts from 5 large artichokes (see How to trim an artichoke)
• 5 Tbsp butter, divided
• 1 medium size leek, white-and-light green parts only, sliced and rinsed (see How to Clean Leeks)
• 6 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped shallots (or yellow onion, if shallots aren't available)
• 8 oz of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 12 cups of chicken stock (if cooking gluten-free, use gluten-free stock) or vegetable stock (for vegetarian option)
• 1/2 bay leaf
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 4 sprigs of parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns
• 1/4 cup of cream
• Salt to taste