Cream of Wood Ear Soup

If wood ear mushrooms depend upon their crunch for interest, will a crunchless dish have interest? Obviously, the answer is yes. Although subdued, wood ears contribute a distinct, mysterious flavor to the smooth, rich puree. While the soup is deeply creamy (thanks in good part to oatmeal, for the silken body it provides), the dark wood ear speckles have a faint crispness highlighted by squiggles of sautéed wood ear julienne. Like most pureed soups, this can be prepared ahead, cooled, and re