Creamy Chinese Celery Soup

Ingredients

 * 1 medium leek (white and pale green parts only), chopped
 * 1 medium russet (baking) potato
 * ½ cup chopped shallot
 * 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
 * 1 tablespoon olive oil
 * 2 bunches Chinese celery (1½ lb total), top leaves discarded and stalks cut into 2-inch pieces
 * ½ cup dry white wine
 * 4 cups chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth (32 fl oz)
 * ½ cup heavy cream
 * ½ teaspoon salt
 * ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

 * 1) Peel and chop potatoes
 * 2) Cook shallot in boiling butter and oil for approx 2 – 3 minutes
 * 3) add leek and cook for another 5 – 6 minutes stirring vigourously
 * 4) add celery, potatoes, and wine and cook for another 4 minutes
 * 5) add broth and let the soup simmer for 60 minutes