"Five Lilies" Chowder

Ingredients

1	Bay Leaf
-	Black Pepper
1/2 Cup	Celery
6 Cups	Chicken Broth
2 Tbsp	Chive
1 Tbsp	Garlic
-	Gremolata
2 Cups	Leek
3 Tbsp	Olive Oil
1 Tsp	Oregano
-	Salt
1/4 Cup	Shallot
2 Tbsp	Sherry
1 Tsp	Thyme
1 Cup	White Wine Dry
4 Cups	Yellow Onion

Directions

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the onions, shallots and garlic and saute until they just begin to color. Transfer half of the onion mixture to a blender or food processor. Puree and return to the pan. Add the wine, bay leaf and stock and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (The soup base may be prepared in advance to this point and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen indefinitely and reheated before finishing.) Just before serving, add the thyme, oregano, celery, leeks and sherry to the hot soup base. Bring to a simmer and simmer for 2 minutes. Do not overcook, the vegetables should retain their crunchy texture. Remove the bay leaf, stir in the chives and garnish with a sprinkling of the Gremolata.