* I recommend using
Melissa's Chestnuts which come cooked and shelled. Use 5.5 ounces of the package for the soup base and the remaining ounce as a garnish.
* If you don't have an immersion hand blender, I highly recommend getting one. You may not use it all the time, but when you need it you will be so happy to have it. It makes recipes like this a breeze as you blend the food in the same pot you use to cook.