Crazy-Easy Creamy Sweet Potato Soup

Mmm, the joys of soup on a cold day.  Double mmm when that soup can be orange!  This great creamy soup recipe is super easy and you can substitute just about any cooked vegetable that'll puree nicely for the sweet potato.  I love to make this soup on Sunday's.  I come home from church, pop a couple sweet potatoes in the oven, turn the oven off once they're done and let them chill out for a while until I'm ready to make the soup.

Three things to note: first, I know I have steps written out below, but when I'm in a hurry or feeling lazy, I just combine the puree with all the other ingredients and simmer to desired thickness.  Second, the amounts in this recipe are completely forgiving.  I don't measure anything, I completely eyeball the ingredients.  Lastly, in terms of the ginger... I used to grate my own (it's easiest when frozen FYI).  But then my grocery stores started carrying Gourmet Garden blends.  LOVE THEM.  They work and taste like fresh, but have two to three month shelf lives, all the while saving you time and keeping your knuckles away from the grater. 

Creamy Sweet Potato/Butternut Squash/Carrot/Etc Soup
Difficulty: Easy
Time: Not counting baking the sweet potatoes, 15 minutes
Serves: 4 good-sized bowls
Requires: Blender

• 2 cooked sweet potatoes (the bigger the thicker soup)
• 2 c. of chicken broth (I love Pacific's Free Range, btw - it tastes GREAT)
• 1/2 tbsp. to 1 tbsp. freshly grated ginger/puree of ginger (yeah Gourmet Gardens!)
• 1 tbsp. butter (whipped, margarine, light... whatever you have)
• 1 c. evaporated milk (I always get fat free)
• Optional: toasted pecans

1. In a blender, puree the first three ingredients until a beautiful orange smoothie.
2. In a large sauce pan, melt the butter over medium and add the flour.  Stir until bubbly.
3. Add in the evaporated milk and cook until thickened.  Like I said before, I'm guilty of sort of jumping through these steps, and you can always simmer it later if it's too thin for you.
4. Add in the puree from step one and simmer till desired thickness.
5. Season with salt and pepper and the toasted pecans.  Mmmmm tasty orange goodness!