Artichoke Veloute

Directions

1. 1
   Fill a bowl with cold water; add the lemon juice.
2. 2
   Trim the artichoke stems.
3. 3
   Bend back the tough outer petals until they snap off.
4. 4
   Cut off the tops.
5. 5
   Using a sharp-edged spoon, remove and discard the hairy chokes.
6. 6
   Slice the artichokes and put in the water.
7. 7
   Drain the artichoke slices.
8. 8
   In a soup pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
9. 9
   Add the artichoke slices and the shallots, cover and saute, stirring occasionally, until they begin to caramelize, about 15 minutes.
10. 10
    Deglaze the pan with the white wine.
11. 11
    Add the stock and the bouquet garni and bring to a boil.
12. 12
    Reduce the heat and simmer until artichokes are tender, about 20 minutes.
13. 13
    Discard the bouquet garni.
14. 14
    In a food processor, puree the mixture in batches; strain each batch through a fine sieve, pressing solids with the back of a spoon.
15. 15
    Slice each mushroom into thirds.
16. 16
    Melt the butter in a small skillet.
17. 17
    Add the mushrooms and saute until golden.
18. 18
    Set aside.
19. 19
    Reheat the soup over medium-low heat.
20. 20
    Stir in the foie gras and the cream.
21. 21
    Season with salt and pepper.
22. 22
    Ladle into 6 bowls and garnish each with a mushroom slice.