Cream of chicken soup

1) Melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium heat

Add the onion, celery, and carrots and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 12 minutes

Add the flour and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, for two minutes more.<BR><BR>2) Pour in the stock and bring to a boil while whisking constantly

Tie the parsley sprigs, thyme, and bay leaf together with a piece of kitchen twine and add to the soup

Lower the heat and simmer for 15 mins. <BR><BR>3) Stir in the chicken and bring to a boil

Remove from the heat.<BR><BR>4) Whisk the double cream, sherry, and salt into the soup and season with pepper to taste

Remove and discard the herb bundle

Divide among soup bowls, sprinkle the top of each soup with the chopped parsley and serve immediately.