Curried Corn and Shrimp Soup

2 cups regular-strength chicken broth
2 medium-size tart apples (peeled, cored and chopped)
1 large onion (chopped)
1/2 tsp curry powder
1 large red bell pepper (stemmed and seeded)
4 cups cold buttermilk
1/4 cup lime juice
1 1/2 cups cooked corn kernels
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro
1/3 lb. tiny cooked shrimp
Cilantro Sprigs (optional)

In a 4- to 5- quart pan over high heat combine broth, apples, onion, and
curry. Cover and bring to a boil, then simmer until apples mash easily (about
30 min). Let cool, then cover and chill until cold, at least 3 hours or up to
a day. Smoothly puree mixture in a blender or food processor.

Cut a few thin slivers from bell pepper and set aside; dice remaining pepper
and put into a tureen with apple puree, buttermilk, lime juice, 1 1/4 cups of
corn and minced cilantro. Ladle soup into bowls and top with shrimp, remaining
corn, bell pepper strips, and cilantro sprigs.

Meg Jahnke