Cream of Sweet Potato Soup

The Boy had all his wisdom teeth taken out yesterday, and can only eat soft foods for a little while. On the first day, he survived on chocolate milkshakes. When day 2 came around, he wanted chocolate milkshakes again. This time, I put my foot down. You cannot survive on sugar alone, I said. I will make something sweet but ever so slightly more nutritious, and you will eat it.

Note: This highhandedness is really only possible when he's drugged up.

This dish is a wonderful way to welcome the Fall season. I love the layers of flavors it offers - sweet, spicy, salty, creamy. They play on your tongue. Soups always warm the heart, particularly now that the weather has got a bit more nippy. And isn't it a great feeling when you watch all those vegetable trimmings go down the disposal, knowing that your family is being fed and kept healthy?

CREAM OF SWEET POTATO SOUP
Cooking time: 20 minutes

A - Base
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil

B - Aromatics
1 large onion, chopped finely
1 clove of garlic, chopped finely
2 sticks of celery, washed and cut into 1cm thick slices
1 leek, washed and cut into 1cm thick slices
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

C - Spices
1 stick of cinnamon
0.25 tsp nutmeg
2 cloves
1 tsp ginger powder (optional - gives a kick)

D - Liquids
4 cups vegetable/chicken stock
1.5 cups Half&Half
2 tbsp maple syrup

*****

A - Melt the butter in a large pot. Add the olive oil.

B - Saute the onions and garlic in the oils until soft and glistening. Add the celery and leek and saute for few minutes. Add the sweet potatoes last.

C - Add the spices into the mix and turn the mixture around a few times.

D - Add the stock and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes.

Take out the cinnamon stick and cloves. Using a hand blender, puree the cooked mixture until smooth.

Add the half&half and maple syrup, and stir on the stove for a few more minutes until the soup is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Note for next time: Experiment with curry powder.