Apple Fennel Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 medium Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh fennel, chopped
• 2 cups water
• 1 14-oz. can low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 6 whole black peppercorns
• low-fat plain yogurt (optional)*

Directions:

1. In a large pot, combine all ingredients except the yogurt; bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
3. Pour the soup through a strainer set over a large bowl.
4. Remove the bay leaf.
5. In blender or food processor, puree the vegetable mixture until smooth.
6. Add the soup liquid and pulse until blended.
7. Reheat the soup, if necessary.
8. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top with dollops of yogurt, if desired.