Celery, cashew & sherry soup

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup raw cashews
• 6-8 celery stalks (use 8 if you are working with younger and smaller stalks)
• 3-4 cups water
• Juice of 1 lemon
• salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic, diced
• 1/4 cup dry sherry
• croutons (optional)