Creole Style Tomato Soup with Goat's Cheese Dumplings

Preheat the fryer. In a large sauce pan, heat the olive oil. When the oil is hot, saute the onions, celery and carrots. Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Saute the vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and tomatoes. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Using a hand-held blender, puree half of the soup. Stir in the parsley. Reseason with salt and pepper if needed. Stir in the heavy cream. For the dumplings: In a small mixing bowl, combine the Goat's cheese, extra-virgin olive oil and basil. Mix until the mixture is fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper. Brush the edges of the wrappers with a litttle water. Bring two corners of the wrappers together and seal, forming a triangle. Fry the wontons for 1 to 2 minutes or until the dumplings are golden and crispy. Remove from the fryer and drain on a paper-lined plate. Season the dumplings with Essence. Ladle the soup in a shallow bowl. Garnish with the dumplings and parsley.

Yield : 10 cups of soup 16 dumplings