Chestnut and Celery Root Soup with Chorizo and Scallops

1. Stage

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a small saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the chestnuts until just tender, about 5 minutes. Take 1 chestnut out of the water at a time and while still hot, hold it with a kitchen towel and peel with a paring knife. Crumble the chestnuts.

2. Stage

In a small saucepan, cover the chestnuts and celery root with the 1 1/2 cups of water and the cream, add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat until the celery root is very tender, about 25 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until silky. Pour the soup into a small saucepan and season with salt and white pepper.

3. Stage

Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and bake until crisp, about 5 minutes. In a small skillet, heat the 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Add the chorizo and cook over moderate heat until sizzling, about 1 minute.

4. Stage

Remove the small white muscle from the side of each scallop. Slice the scallops crosswise 1/8 inch thick. Arrange the scallop slices on the bottom of 4 shallow bowls and season with salt and pepper. Scatter half of the chorizo on top. Bring the soup to a simmer and pour it over the scallops. Top with the remaining chorizo and serve right away, with the baguette toasts.

5. Stage

Make Ahead: The soup can be refrigerated overnight. Reheat gently.

6. Stage

Wine Recommendation: A fruity, moderately oaked wine would be a fine match for this nutty soup. One to consider is Waterbrook's 2004 Columbia Valley Chardonnay, which gets floral aromas from a touch of Viognier; the producer is one of the oldest in the premier wine region of Walla Walla, Washington.