Apple Fennel Soup

When the impulse strikes, here's a flavorful pureed
soup that can be prepared in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients:
1 can (14 1/2-ounce) chicken broth
2 cups water
1/2 cup white wine
2 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh fennel
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
6 black peppercorns
Plain low-fat yogurt (optional)

Directions:
In large pot, combine broth, water,
wine, apples, carrots, onion, fennel,
bay leaf, thyme, and peppercorns;
heat to boiling. Reduce heat to simmer,
cover, and cook 20 minutes.
Strain soup, reserving liquid.
Remove bay leaf from apple-vegetable mixture.
In blender or food processor, puree mixture;
add reserved liquid and blend well.
Reheat soup if necessary.
To serve, ladle into soup bowls
and top with dollop of yogurt, if desired.