Dried Mushrooms

Ingredients
2 ouncs dried wild Bear’s tooth mushrooms
1/2 cup boiling chicken broth
1/4 cup dry madeira wine
1/2 cup butter (NO substitutes)
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 ouncs dried wild Lobster mushrooms
4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced, stems removed (about 1 1/2 cups)
2/3 cup flour
8 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Directions
Place dried Bear’s Tooth mushrooms in a small bowl. Add the 1/2 cup broth and the wine. Let stand 30 minutes. Drain and discard the excess liquid. Coarsely chop mushrooms; set aside.

Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in wild Lobster and Bears Tooth mushrooms; cook 3 to 4 minute more or till most liquid has evaporated. Stir in flour. Add the 8 cups broth and pepper. Cook and stir to boiling. Reduce heat; cook and stir, uncovered, for 30 minutes more.

Remove 4 cups soup mixture; puree in blender or food processor. Return to saucepan. Stir in buttermilk and heat through. Do not boil. Makes 8 to 12 servings.