Groundnut Soup

Ingredients

 * 4 ounces peeled and roasted peanuts, just under a cup
 * 5 cups chicken stock
 * Salt, freshly ground pepper
 * Hot sauce, adding to taste
 * 1 cup heavy cream, or evaporated milk
 * 1 tablespoon Angostura bitters
 * Dry sherry or vermouth (optional)
 * Croutons or chopped chives

Directions

 * 1) Put the peanuts and enough chicken stock to cover in an electric blender and blend on high speed to a smooth paste.
 * 2) Pour into a heavy saucepan, add the rest of the stock.
 * 3) Season to taste with salt and pepper and hot pepper sauce.
 * 4) Cook over low heat, stirring from time to time, for about 15 minutes.
 * 5) Stir in the cream and cook, stirring, until heated through.
 * 6) Stir in the Angostura bitters.
 * 7) A tablespoon of dry sherry or dry vermouth may be added to each serving.
 * 8) Garnish with croutons and serve hot or chill and serve sprinkled with chives.