Pumpkin Soup with Maple Cream

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             FOOD FUNNY
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Thanks to Ring Leader Tresa Stitley of West Jordan, Utah for this
classic food funny:

A man goes into a restaurant, sits down at a table and an attractive
young waitress comes for his order. He gives her a smile and says, "I
want a quickie."

She turns red in the face and ahems, "Sir, I don't know what kind of
restaurant you're used to eating in, but I can assure you you're not
going to get a quickie here!"

"How disappointing," the man replied. "Could you ask the chef to make
an exception?"

"He doesn't have anything to do with it!" says the waitress
indignantly.

"Hmmm," do you know anywhere around here where I could get a quickie?"

"I'm SURE I don't know," answers the waitress loudly.

A patron from the next table leans over and taps the man on the
shoulder, "I think it's pronounced QUICHE."

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             TODAY'S RECIPE
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There is no denying that, collectively, early American colonists had a
sweet tooth. Sugar and other sweeteners were expensive and dishes
containing them were considered a luxury. Maple syrup was the
sweetener of choice in New England, but molasses, honey, or cane syrup
might have been used elsewhere.

Pumpkin Soup with Maple Cream

2 Tbs (30 ml) butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 rib celery, finely chopped
4 cups (1 L) chicken or vegetable stock
2 cups (500 ml) fresh or canned pumpkin
puree (unsweetened)
2 cups (500 ml) half-and-half or milk
1/2 tsp (2 ml) ground ginger
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

For the garnish:
1/2 cup (125 ml) heavy cream whipped to soft peaks with
2 Tbs (30 ml) maple syrup

Heat the butter in a large pot over moderate heat and saute the onion
and celery until tender but now brown, about 5 minutes. Add the stock
and pumpkin puree and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring
frequently. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the half-and-half,
ginger, salt, and pepper. Bring back to a simmer but do not boil.
Serve garnished with a dollop of the maple cream. Serves 6 to 8.
Received on Tue Nov 18 06:16:13 2003