Creamy Ham and Pea

Description
Serve 4.

Ingredients

 * 30g.(1oz) butter
 * 1 shallot chopped
 * 1 tbsp. flour
 * 570ml. (1pt) medium dry White Wine
 * 280ml (½)Double Cream
 * 110g. (4oz.) thickly sliced ham diced
 * 230g.(8oz.) peas
 * 1 little lettuce shredded
 * salt and pepper

For The Croutons

 * 3-4 tbsp Olive Oil
 * 3 thick slices White Bread, crusts removed and cut into 2½ cm.(1in)cubes

Directions

 * 1) Melt the butter until it starts to foam.
 * 2) Add the shallot and cook unti soft but not coloured. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the flour.
 * 3) Don't return the pan to the heat.
 * 4) Add the wine very gradually, waiting until it has all been absorbed before adding moreadd the cream the same way.
 * 5) Return the pan to the heat and bring to the boil, stirring all A the time.
 * 6) Add the ham and peas, cover with a a lid and simmer for 10 minutes
 * 7) Add the lettuce and remove the pan from the heat.
 * 8) For the croutons, heat the oil in a pan and fry the cubes of bread until they're crisp and golden
 * 9) Drain on kitchen paper. Season the soup, spoon into bowl and sprinkle with croutons