VERY CREAMY VEGETABLE CHOWDER A LA MOOSEWOOD

Steps:

• In a large soup pot on medium heat, sauté the onions in the butter and oil for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Stir in the celery, cover, and cook until just soft, stirring occasionally.
• Add the carrots, potatoes, water or stock, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil; then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the vegetables are just tender, about 5 minutes.
• With a strainer or slotted spoon, remove about 1 1/2 cups of the cooked vegetables and set aside in a blender or food processor.
• Add the green beans, bell peppers, and zucchini to the soup pot and cook until the green beans are tender, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the peas and parsley, simmer for 2 more minutes, and then remove from the heat.
• Discard the bay leaf.
• Puree the reserved vegetables with the milk and cheeses to make a smooth sauce.
• Stir the sauce into the soup and gently reheat.
• Serve hot.