CURRIED PUMPKIN SOUP

Steps:

• 1. Heat the oil and butter in a large stockpot. Add the onion and sauté over medium heat until tender, about 8 minutes. Add the pears, garlic and curry powder to the pot and cook 2 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper. Add the wine or juice and deglaze, scraping up any caramelized bits on the bottom of the pot. Add the pumpkin and the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 45 minutes. 2. Puree the soup in batches in a blender until smooth, or use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the pot. Return the pureed soup to the pot and heat thoroughly. Stir in the cream and adjust the seasoning. Do not boil. 3. Serve the soup in warm bowls garnished with a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream and a few pumpkin seeds. LYNNE'S TIPS •Use a combination of olive oil and butter when sautéing. You get the higher smoke point of the oil and the flavor of the butter. •If good fresh pears aren't available you could substitute apples. •Fresh curry powder is essential. •Make you own curry powder by grinding together in a coffee grinder equal parts of cumin seed, coriander seed, brown mustard seed, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom seed, and a half part of turmeric powder. Store this away from heat and light and it will keep three months.