Recipe: Cold Russian Apple Soup

Cold Russian Apple Soup
Source: Super Soups by Sally Meddock
Yield: 4 servings

3 medium or 4 small tart apples(Granny Smith, Pippin, etc.)
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar cookie crumbs
1 Tbls. dry white wine
1 tsp. lemon peel
1/2 cinnamon stick (1-inch)
1 1/2 cups dry red wine
1/4 cup sugar
4 tsp. lemon juice
1 Tbls. any flavor seedless fruit preserves
sour cream

Pare, core and quarter apples. Combine apples, water, crumbs, white wine, lemon peel and cinnamon in a large covered saucepan. Cook over medium heat till apples are soft, about 20 minutes.

Strain and press apple mixture through a fine sieve with a wooden spoon. Return apple puree to saucepan. Add red wine, sugar, lemon juice and preserves. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly till sugar dissolves. Add more sugar or preserves if necessary for sweetening.

Refrigerate overnight or till well chilled, about 5 hours. Garnish with a spoonful of sour cream.