Asparagus Soup

Wash asparagus if fresh and break off tips; break remainder of stalks into small pieces. Cook tips and stalks in cold water separately. When tender, drain; reserve water. Keep tips for garnishing soup. Press stalks through a purée sieve. Scald milk with onion, remove onion, add asparagus water, and thicken with flour and butter cooked together. Bring mixture to boiling point; add cream and seasonings. Pour over tips and serve.

Note.—If canned asparagus is used, drain, add water and cook in milk in a double boiler twenty minutes. Then drain and proceed as with fresh asparagus.

Artichoke Soup

Cook artichokes and onion in water till tender. Drain, press through sieve, and return to water. Melt butter; add flour and scalded milk. Cook until mixture thickens. Combine mixtures, add seasonings, and just before serving pour on to beaten egg.

Bean Soup