Oyster Cream Soup with Brie (American South)

This Oyster and Brie Champagne Soup is an oyster lover’s dream. It is a creamy soup, sort of like a bisque with delicious oysters. Since oysters are considered an aphrodisiac, this delightful oyster soup recipe is considered a "Lover’s Delight".

1 cup butter, unsalted
½ cup all-purpose flour, unbleached
2 qts oyster liquid, bottled clam juice or fish broth
5 cups heavy cream
1½ tsp. ground cayenne pepper
1½ lbs brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
2 cups dry Champagne or sparkling wine
3 dozen small to medium-sized oysters, cleaned and shucked
1 cup green onions, finely minced
sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground

In a large soup pot over low heat, melt butter. Add flour and cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add oyster liquid, clam juice, or fish broth and cook another 3-4 minutes or until flour is absorbed. Increase heat to medium and bring just to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add heavy cream; simmer 5 minutes longer, stirring constantly. Add cayenne pepper and brie cheese, stirring until cheese is melted completely.

Stir in champagne, oysters, and green onion stems. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve in soup bowls immediately.

Makes 8 servings.