A rich mellow soup, full of flavor that finishes with a slight kick.  A Shoebooties original.  Serves 24 people

Ingredients:

    1 cup butter                                                   
    2 shallots  - minced                                           
    2 cups leeks  - diced                                          
    1 large onion  - minced                                        
    1 cup marinara sauce                                           
    3 tablespoons paprika                                          
    1 teaspoon smoked paprika                                      
    1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper                                    
    2 tablespoons garlic  - minced                                 
    1/2 cup brandy                                                 
    1 cup flour                                                    
    2 quarts fish stock                                            
    2 quarts milk                                                  
    2 pounds canned crabmeat                                       
    1 quart heavy cream                                            
    2 tablespoons seasoned salt                                    
    1/2 cup sherry                                                 
    2 tablespoons shrimp base                                      
    Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1.  In large soup pot, melt butter over medium heat.

2.  Add shallots, leeks and onion and saute until softened. ( 4 - 5 minutes )

3.  Add marinara, paprikas, cayenne, and garlic and cook for 3 minutes - continually stirring.

4.  Add brandy to deglaze pot and cook for a few minutes.

5.  Slowly stir in flour, continuing to stir for 3-4 minutes.

6.  Slowly whip in fish stock - constantly stirring. Bring to a simmer.

7.  Add milk and bring back to a simmer.

8.  Add crab, heavy cream, seasonings, sherry, and shrimp base - stirring to blen all flavors.

9.  Simmer soup for five minutes and serve.