Ingredients

2 pounds asparagus, tips reserved, cut into 1″ pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 medium leeks, white and tender green parts only, thinly sliced
1/2 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1″ chunks
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 large thyme sprig
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly gound white pepper

Chive Oil:

1 large bunch chives, minced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt

Instructions

In a saucepan of boiling salted water, blanch the asparagus tips until crisp-tender, about 1 minute.  Drain the asparagus tips in a colander and refresh under cold water.  Pat dry, halve the tips lengthwise and set aside.

Melt the butter in a large saucepan.  Add the leeks and cook over moderate heat, stirring until softened, about 5 minutes.  Add the asparagus stalks, potatoes, stock, water and thyme and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

Discard the thyme sprig.   Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender, then transfer to a large bowl.  Stir in the milk, salt and white pepper.  Let the soup cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight.

For the chive oil, puree the chives with the olive oil in a blender.  Season with salt.  Strain the oil through a fine sieve.

Ladle the soup into chilled bowls and drizzle with Chive Oil.  Garnish with the asparagus tips and serve.

*Note:  This soup is just as delicious served warm!  Heat and serve with chive oil and asparagus tips.