Carrot Soup with Parmesan Crisps

Preheat oven to 350°.

Spread 2 teaspoons cheese evenly into a 2-inch circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet; repeat 5 times, leaving 1 inch between circles. Bake at 350° for 8 minutes or until golden. Remove pan from oven; carefully lift crisps from pan with a spatula, and place on a wire rack. Cool cheese crisps completely.

Combine carrot, chicken stock, 2 cups water, and leek in a large Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Partially cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes. Remove pan from heat, and let stand 10 minutes.

Place half of carrot mixture in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth. Strain mixture through a sieve over a large bowl; discard solids. Repeat procedure with remaining carrot mixture. Stir in vinegar, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Combine remaining 1 teaspoon water, crème fraîche, and chives in a bowl. Place about 1 cup soup in each of 6 bowls. Top each serving with 1 teaspoon crème fraîche mixture and 1 crisp.