Xaver Suppe (Soup for St. Francis Xavier's Day)

Last year, for the feast of St. Francis Xavier, I made Xaver Suppe . It was very easy to make, and I was pleasantly surprised that all my children *loved* it! I am planning on making it for dinner again tonight.

Xaver Suppe

(Recipe found in Cooking With the Saints)

This is a delicious clear soup with "dumplings" that is easy to make and can serve a crowd.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, white
  
• pinch of nutmeg
  
• 2 eggs
  
• 2 egg yolks
  
• 1 Tablespoon parsley, chopped (for dough)
  
• 12 cups chicken stock
  
• 2 Tablespoon chervil, chopped
  
• 2 Tablespoon parsley, chopped (for soup)

DIRECTIONS:

Over low heat work the flour, cream, butter and Parmesan cheese to a solid dough. Work in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, eggs and egg yolks and parsley. Put the mixture into a piping bag with a big nozzle and pipe pea-sized balls onto a buttered tray. Let stand for about 30 minutes.

In the meantime heat some salted water until it boils, then drop in all the "dough peas". Cook for 5 minutes, then remove them with a slotted spoon and add to the warm chicken stock. Season soup to taste and add the chervil and 2 tablespoons parsley.

Serves 10 to 12 people.