Broccoli Mascarpone Soup

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 and 1/2 cups sliced shallots (about 6 large)
• 1 and 1/2 pounds broccoli florets, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 and 1/2 cups (12 ounces) mascarpone cheese, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat.
2. Add shallots. Saute 3 minutes.
3. Add broccoli. Saute 1 minute.
4. Add broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
6. Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
7. Cool slightly.
8. Working in batches, transfer soup to blender; puree until smooth.
9. Return to pot.
10. Reserve 1/4 cup mascarpone in small bowl. Cover and chill.
11. Whisk 1 and 1/4 cups mascarpone and cayenne pepper into soup.
12. Season with salt.
13. Ladle soup into bowls.
14. Garnish with reserved mascarpone.
15. Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve. Serves 8.