ONION AND FENNEL BISQUE

Steps:

• Wash leeks well in a bowl of cold water, then lift out and drain well.
• Cook onions, leeks, fennel, and garlic in butter in a heavy pot over moderate heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 15 minutes.
• Add wine and boil, uncovered, until evaporated, about 1 minute. Add stock, water, salt, pepper, and nutmeg and simmer, uncovered, until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
• Stir in half and half and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and liquid is reduced to about 3 cups, about 15 minutes.
• Purée soup in batches in a blender until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids), then transfer to a soup tureen.