Shrimp Bisque

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 lb. uncooked heads-on shrimp
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 (3 oz.) pkg. crab and shrimp boil
• 2 onions, each stuck with 6 whole cloves
• 1/2 c. unsalted butter or margarine
• 5 green onions, chopped fine
• 1/4 c. minced parsley
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• 3/4 c. flour
• 1 1/2 c. whipping cream
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper or to taste
• salt to taste
• 1/4 c. dry sherry
• chopped chives (if desired)