MICROWAVE CREAMY ASPARAGUS SOUP

Steps:

• Cut off the tough bottom ends of the asparagus and discard.
• Cut off the tips of the asparagus and set into a bowl; set aside a few of them for garnishing later.
• Chop the stalks of the asparagus into small, bite sized pieces and add to the bowl of asparagus tips.
• Place butter in a heavy, deep round microwaveable dish (such as a white Corningware casserole) and let it melt on HIGH for approximately 1 minute, or until melted.
• Add the onion and aspargus tips& spears to the butter, cover, and cook on HIGH for about 4-5 minutes.
• Stir in the flour, mixing well.
• Next, pour in the broth and add the chives, stir, recover, and cook on HIGH for 10 minutes, stirring 3 times during this process.
• Asparagus should be very tender- if not, return for 2 more minutes, stir, test again, repeat if needed.
• Remove from microwave (wear oven mits) and puree using a wand blender (or use your regular blender).
• Add cream, lemon juice, and seasonings to taste.
• Get the asparagus tips you set aside for the garnish and put them into the microwave, in a microwave safe dish, for just about 2 minutes or so- just enough to blanch them so they aren't so raw tasting.
• Ladle soup into individual bowls and garnish with an asparagus tip before serving.
• NOTE: Since microwaves vary greatly, there may be some variations in the cooking times depending upon your microwave.