• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon dried sage
• ½ cup all purpose flour
• 12 celery stalks, washed, trimmed and sliced
• 6 cups vegetable stock or water
• 3 apples, peeled, cored and diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
• 2/3 cup light cream
• Celery leaves for garnish

Over medium heat melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the onion and sage; saute for 5 minutes. Stir in the flour, and cook for an additional minute. Add the celery and stir well. Add the stock and stir until well mixture is blended. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the apples and chives, and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, and let cool slightly. Put the mixture into a food processor, reserving a few pieces of apple and celery. Blend the soup until smooth. Return to the pan, and add the reserved pieces of apple and celery. Stir in the cream, and heat through. Serve garnished with celery leaves. Makes 4 servings.