Soupe Creme de Choux-Fleurs et Pomme au Curry
Smooth and creamy with a sweet, spicy taste, this soup is the perfect starter to any festive meal. The fact that it can be prepared a day in advance and reheated at the last minute makes it an even better first course for the busy host or hostess. The soup is also tasty served cold.

4 cups Chicken Stock 1 Vi tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup chopped onions
2 teaspoons curry powder
3/4 teaspoon saffron threads (or saffron powder) 1 cup sliced tart apples, such as Granny Smith 4 cups cauliflower florets 1 cup heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste GARNISH:
1 cup diced tart apples, such as Granny Smith 1 tablespoon water 1 teaspoon curry powder
Vi teaspoon saffron threads (or saffron powder) Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 Assemble the mise en place trays for this recipe.
2 In a medium-sized saucepan, warm the stock over low heat.
3 In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, curry powder, and saffron and cook, stir¬ring frequently, for about 2 minutes, until the onions begin to soften. Add the sliced apples and cook, stirring frequent¬ly, for 5 minutes. Stir in the cauliflower and warm chicken stock, increase the heat, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, until the cauli¬flower is very tender.
4 Transfer the soup, in batches if necessary, to a blender or a food processor fitted with the metal blade and process until very smooth. Pour into a medium-sized saucepan and
stir in the cream. Season to taste with salt and white pepper and keep warm over very low heat.
5 To make the garnish, combine the diced apples and water in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Stir in the curry powder and saffron, and season to taste with salt and white pepper. Cover and cook for about 3 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve, reserving the solids. Return the apples to the pan to keep warm.
Ladle the soup into warm soup bowls. Sprinkle the diced apple and chopped chives over the top.