ALMOND SOUP

¼ cup almonds (blanched and peeled)
2 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
4 cups water
½ cup milk
Salt to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
4 tablespoons cream

Method

-Chop half the almonds fine. Blend the rest with milk in a blender.
-Melt butter and sauté the chopped almonds till lightly fried.
-Add flour and sauté till an aroma emanates.
-Add water, gradually stirring all the time so that no lumps remain; then bring to a boil.
-Add the milk mixture along with salt and pepper and bring to a boil, and then simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-Serve garnished with cream.