Almond soup

ingredients;

225g/8oz blanched almonds,
minced 3 egg yolks, hard-boiled 

1.2 litres/2pt chicken stock 

25g/1oz butter, softened

25g/1oz plain flour 

125ml/4fl oz single cream 

salt 

freshly ground black pepper

method;
Using a mortar and pestle, reduce the almonds to a paste with the egg yolks and 1 tablespoon of the stock. Set aside.

Make a beurre manié by working the butter and flour together into a smooth paste using a fork. 

Bring the remaining stock to a simmer in a heavy saucepan. Add the beurre manié in small knobs, whisking vigorously after each addition until completely dissolved. 

Whisk in the almond paste until smooth, then cook gently for 30 minutes.

Strain the soup through a sieve into a clean pan. Add the cream, and season with salt and pepper. 

Reheat gently and serve.