Another Soup

This recipe comes from my online blogger love (for recipes) - the Smitten Kitchen.  I saw the post here on the list of DIY Cures for the flu (from which I posted last week's Honey, Ginger, Lemon extract).  After the success of Mrs. BA's Baked Potato Soup - I'm throwing this one out there for the next federally mandated playdate - coming up in two weeks!

44-Clove Garlic Soup with Parmesan Cheese 
Adapted from Bon Appetit, February 1999
Serves 4

Ingredients 

• 26 garlic cloves (unpeeled) 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter 
• 2 1/4 cups sliced onions 
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme 
• 18 garlic cloves, peeled 
• 3 1/2 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth 
• 1/2 cup whipping cream 
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces) 
• 4 lemon wedges 

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place 26 garlic cloves in small glass baking dish. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Cover baking dish tightly with foil and bake until garlic is golden brown and tender, about 45 minutes. Cool. Squeeze garlic between fingertips to release cloves. Transfer cloves to small bowl.

Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions and thyme and cook until onions are translucent, about 6 minutes. Add roasted garlic and 18 raw garlic cloves and cook 3 minutes. Add chicken stock; cover and simmer until garlic is very tender, about 20 minutes. Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to saucepan; add cream and bring to simmer. Season with salt and pepper.

Divide grated cheese among 4 bowls and ladle soup over. Squeeze juice of 1 lemon wedge into each bowl and serve.

Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat, stirring occasionally.