Mirliton and Shrimp Soup

Mirliton (pronounced in New Orleans with a slight French accent, MILL-ee-tahn) is the local name for the vegetable also known as a chayote or vegetable pear. They are much liked around town and used in many different ways. This is one of the most interesting: a great light soup that Le Parvenu’s chef Dennis Hutley—who dreamed it up—describes as “cappuccino style.” By that he means a thin layer of nonsweet whipped cream floats on top.