Taste of the Season: Farm Stand Carrots

• If you’ve fallen in love with the colorful bunches of carrots that are now gracing farm stands across Long Island, you’ll love this colorful and flavorful soup made with them, spiced with cloves, and topped with tasty bacon breadcrumbs. Make a double batch of breadcrumbs and freeze to top other soups or casseroles later.

Carrot-Clove Soup with Bacon Bread Crumbs

Serves 6

• 1 tbsp. butter
• 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 lbs. carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• 10 whole cloves
• 4 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth
• 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of sugar
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 6 tbsp. heavy cream
• Minced fresh flat-leaf parsley for garnish

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the butter and oil. Add the carrots, onions, garlic, and cloves and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft but not browned.

2. Add the stock or broth, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, or until the carrots are very soft. Remove the cloves and discard. Remove from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

3. Working in batches, transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and purée until smooth. (May be prepared to this point 1 day ahead). Return the purée to the saucepan over medium heat and stir in the lemon juice and sugar. Cook until heated through and season with salt and pepper. To serve, ladle the soup into shallow bowls, drizzle the cream over, and sprinkle with the parsley and breadcrumbs.

Bacon Bread Crumbs

• 2 slices bacon
• 2 slices white sandwich bread, such as Pepperidge Farms brands
• 2 tbsp. minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon for 4-6 minutes, turning frequently, or until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Discard all but 2 tbsp. fat from the pan.

2. In a mini food processor, pulse the bread 8-10 times to medium-fine crumbs. Transfer bread crumbs to bacon fat and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, or until golden. Transfer to a small bowl.

3. Pulse the bacon in the food processor to fine bits and stir into the breadcrumbs. Stir in the parsley and pepper.