Mussel & Saffron Soup

2 lb Mussels

1 1/4 c Dry white wine

1 1/2 c Water

3 T Butter

1 T Olive oil

1 Onion, finely chopped

1 Garlic clove, crushed

1 Leek, trimmed, fine shredded

1/2 t Fenugreek, finely crushed

1 1/2 T All-purpose flour

2 pk Saffron strands, soaked in

1 T Boiling water

1 1/4 c Chicken stock

1 T Chopped fresh parsley

Salt to taste Fresh ground pepper to taste 2 T Whipping cream

Fresh parsley sprigs (opt) Scrub mussels clean in several changes of fresh water and pull off beards. Discard any mussels that are cracked or do not close tightly when tapped. Put mussels into a saucepan with wine and water. Cover and cook over high heat, shaking pan frequently, 6-7 minutes or until shells open. Remove mussels, discarding any which remain closed. Strain liquid through a fine sieve and reserve. Heat butter and oil in a saucepan. Add onion, garlic, leek and fenugreek and cook gently 5 minutes. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Add saffron mixture, 2-1/2 cups of reserved cooking liquid and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer gently 15 minutes. Meanwhile, keep 8 mussels in shells and remove remaining mussels from shells. Add all mussels to soup and stir in chopped parsley, salt, pepper and cream. Heat through 2-3 minutes. Garnish with parsley sprigs, if desired, and serve hot.