Ginger Pumpkin Soup

GINGER PUMPKIN BISQUE
I made this at a big family Thanksgiving dinner and everyone loved it. I have made it since and the kids love it, and ask for Pumpkin Pie Soup.

2 tbs olive oil
3/4 cup chopped shallots
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 tsp grated fresh ginger
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup apple cider
1 (15- or 16-ounce) can pumpkin
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
2 bay leaves
1/4 tsp dried thyme, crushed
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup half-and-half or whipping cream
1/2 tsp vanilla
Whipping cream (optional)
Fresh thyme (optional)
In a 3-quart saucepan heat oil over medium heat.
Add the shallots, onion, and ginger; cook until tender.
Stir in the flour.
Carefully add the chicken broth and cider all at once.
Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.
Stir in the pumpkin, maple syrup, bay leaves, dried thyme, cinnamon, pepper, and cloves.
Bring to boiling; reduce heat.
Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
Remove from heat.
Discard bay leaves.
Cool slightly.
Pour one-fourth to one-third of mixture into a blender container or food processor bowl.
Cover and blend or process until smooth. Pour into a bowl.
Repeat with remaining mixture until all is processed.
Return the mixture to the saucepan.
Stir in the 1 cup half-and-half or whipping cream and the vanilla.
Heat through, but do not boil.
Ladle into soup bowls.
If desired, swirl a little whipping cream into each serving; garnish with fresh thyme.
Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Popcorn Soup

This a version of my mom and grammas Popcorn Soup. If you havent tried Popcorn in a soup, you are missing out! This is a wonderful feel good family soup.


Popcorn Soup
1 can cream of mushroom
1 can cream of chicken
1 can cheesy potato soup
3 cans skim milk
2 cans fiesta corn
1 can cream of corn
1/2 of onion, chopped
2 tsp oregano
1 tsp parsley
1 tsp garlic powder
salt
pepper
2 cups frozen peas and carrots
5 slices crisp bacon, crumbled
1 bag microwave popcorn
Combine all ingredients except peas, carrots, bacon and popcorn in a slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours, then add peas and carrots. Let simmer for 20 min, pour into large bowl and sprinkle crumbled bacon over. Top with popped popcorn.