Magda's Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Episode #724 set in 1897 had one of Dark Shadow's most interesting culinary moments when Magda Rokosi so lovingly told Sandor to "sit down and eat your soup."  I immediately remembered that soups are an important part of Hungarian cuisine and mushroom soup in particular is standard fare on Hungarian tables.  Guessing that this is what Magda had prepared that evening I consulted Susan Derecskey's fine Hungarian Cookbook published in 1972 for a classic recipe.  This is a simple combination of chopped onion and sliced mushrooms gently sauteed in butter.  Hot beef stock is added and the soup simmers for just a few minutes.  Off the heat I stirred in sour cream and chopped parsley so that the cream would not curdle.  Season with salt and pepper and serve with a dusting of Hungarian paprika.  The flavor is superb and you'll probably find yourself going back for another bowl.  No wonder Sandor devoured it.  Cooking was an art enjoyed at home by Grayson Hall who played the role of Magda and somehow I think she would have approved of this tasty and authentic recipe.