CREAM OF CELERY SOUP
In a large saucepan, sauté onion in butter and oil until soft. Add chopped celery, potatoes, bay leaf, chillie, parsley stalks and salt and peppercorns. Add equal amounts of water and milk until it does not quite cover the vegetables. They will soon soften and settle under the liquid. Reduce heat and simmer vegetables gently until tender.
Put in liquidiser with the parsley leaves and liquidise until smooth. (You may have to do two lots) I use a wand and liquidise in the saucepan.
Return the soup to pan if necessary, and heat through for 2-3 minutes until steaming hot. Taste to season .
Add a whirl of cream or crème fraiche just before serving.
This soup keeps well in the fridge for several days or it freezes well.