Roasted Fennel Soup with Walnuts and Stilton

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss fennel with 1 tbsp. oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast fennel on baking pan until tender and golden brown, about 15-20 min.

While fennel is roasting, heat remaining oil in a heavy, med.-sized saucepan over med.-low heat. Add leeks, stirring to coat with oil. Cover pot and cook leeks for 5 min., until translucent. Add potatoes and stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fully cooked, about 20 min. Puree mixture with a hand-held blender or in food processor until smooth.

Allow fennel to cool. When easy to handle, slice fennel into small, 1⁄2-in. strips. Add to potato mixture, along with dry sherry and the half-and-half to reach the desired texture of the soup. Return to a simmer; stir in walnut pieces. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Toss Stilton cheese with lemon zest. To serve, ladle soup into bowls. Top with tbsp. of Stilton mixture. Sprinkle with minced chives and extra walnuts if desired.