Christmas Luncheon Crabmeat Bisque

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/4 cup green pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 1/2 cups cooked crabmeat
• Optional: 3 tablespoons dry sherry
• Garnish: additional chopped green onion

Preparation

1. Heat 4 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add next 5 ingredients and sauté until soft.
2. In a saucepan, heat remaining 2 tablespoons butter and stir in flour. Add milk and cook, stirring until thickened and smooth. Stir in salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce. Add sautéed vegetables and half-and-half.
3. Bring to a boil, stirring; reduce heat. Add crabmeat, simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. If desired, stir in sherry just prior to serving. Top with additional green onion.