This tasty soup makes a perfect starter for Christmas Day

• Serves: 6 as a starter
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 50g (2oz) Country Life British Unsalted Butter
• 750g (1lb 6oz) parsnips, peeled and roughly chopped
• 30ml (2tbsp) honey
• 1 litre (1¾pt) chicken or vegetable stock
• 60ml (4tbsp) double cream
• 30ml (2tbsp) freshly chopped flat- leaf parsley

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC, 400º F, gas mark 6. Heat the Country Life butter in an ovenproof dish or roasting tin and add the parsnips, turning to coat in the Country Life butter. Roast in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, stirring once, until golden brown. Stir in the honey and cook for a further 10 minutes until the parsnips have caramelised.
2. Remove the dish from the oven, add the stock and bring it to the boil on top of the hob. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Carefully pour the soup into a blender or food processor and purée until smooth. Season to taste, return to the pan and stir in 300ml (½pt) boiling water and bring back to the boil.
3. Stir in the cream and gently heat through. Divide between bowls and garnish with flat- leaf parsley and extra freshly ground black pepper. Serve with hunks of crusty bread spread with Country Life British Spreadable.