Creamy Asparagus & Bacon Soup

serves 4

• 4 slices bacon, roughly chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• pinch red pepper flakes
• 2 lbs. asparagus, chopped into 2 inch pieces
• 4 cups chicken stock
• salt & pepper
• 1/2 cup creme fraiche, plus more for serving

In a large sauce pot, cook the bacon over medium high heat until fat renders and bacon starts to crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Drain bacon on a paper towel and set aside. Add onion, garlic, red pepper flakes and asparagus to the bacon fat in the pot and cook for 10 minutes, or until onions are translucent and asparagus has softened. Reserve 6 asparagus tips for soup garnish. Pour chicken stock over the asparagus mixture and cook for another 15 minutes.

Blend soup with an immersion blender until the smooth. Stir in creme fraiche until well incorporated. Season with salt & pepper to taste and heat soup over the stove for another 5 minutes. To serve, ladle soup into 4 bowls. Drizzle creme fraiche on the top, followed by a generous sprinkle of bacon and two asparagus spears for each. Serve immediately.