Sweet Potato Bisque

Yield: 24 servings in demitasse cups, 12 in cups and 8 in bowls

Ingredients:

2 Tbs. unsalted butter
1 small onion, peeled and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme plus more for optional garnish
2 large pears, peeled, cored and chopped
3 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
5 cups turkey, chicken, duck or vegetable stock
3/4-cup milk
1/2-cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
large pinch cinnamon
large pinch ground cloves
coarse salt and freshly ground white or black pepper

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large pot set over medium-low heat.
   
2. Add onion, garlic and thyme and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is soft but not colored, six to seven minutes.
   
3. Add pears, sweet potatoes and stock and simmer, uncovered, until tender — about 25 minutes. Allow to cool.
   
4. Working in batches, puree soup in blender or food processor and return to pot.
   
5. Stir in stock, milk, cream, cumin, cinnamon and cloves and reheat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
   
6. Serve garnished with chopped thyme if using, in demitasse cups.