Asparagus Soup With Prosciutto-Wrapped Breadsticks

• 2 1/4 pounds asparagus trimmed and cut 4-5cm pieces
• 1/2 lemon
• 1 pinch sugar
• 6 3/4 tablespoons white wine
• 7/8 cup vegetable stock
• 1 3/4 cups Parmesan grated, plus extra shavings to garnish
• 4 1/8 tablespoons cornflour
• 6 3/4 tablespoons double cream
• 4 Grissini Breadsticks
• 4 slices serrano ham
• 4 teaspoons pesto
• basil leaves to garnish

1. For the soup, place half of the asparagus in a saucepan with 4 cups of cold water, the lemon juice and sugar. Season and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 mins, then add the white wine and stock and simmer 5 more mins. Stir in the grated cheese, remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth. Return to the heat, add the remaining asparagus and simmer 2-3 mins. Mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a paste and stir into the simmering soup. Pour in the cream and simmer 2-3 more mins. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Wrap the breadsticks with the Prosciutto and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Divide the soup between 4 bowls and drizzle with the pesto. Garnish with the cheese shavings and basil leaves and serve with the breadsticks.

lemon, sugar, white wine, vegetable stock, parmesan grated, cornflour, double cream, grissini, serrano ham, pesto, basil

Taken from www.yummly.com/recipe/Asparagus-Soup-with-Prosciutto-Wrapped-Breadsticks-1409271 (may not work)