Roasted Parsnip And Pear Soup

• 1 1/2 lbs. parsnips peeled and coarsely chopped
• 2 T. olive oil
• 3/4 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 3 medium pears peeled and chopped
• 3 medium leeks white portion only thinly sliced
• 2 celery ribs chopped
• 3 shallots chopped
• 1/4 C butter
• 6 C chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp. fresh thyme chopped
• 1/2 C whipping cream

1. Pre-heat oven to 425.
2. 1. Toss parsnips with oil, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Transfer to a greased 10X 15X1 inch baking/roasting pan. Roast uncovered for 25 minutes stirring occasionally. Stir in pears and roast 20 to 25 minutes longer until parsnips are tender stirring occasionally.
3. 2. In a large (5 qts or larger) pot melt butter then add leeks, shallots and celery and saute until tender about 6 minutes. Stir broth, bay leaf, thyme and the roasted parsnip and pear mixture. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes.
4. 3. Cool slightly. Remove bay leaf. Use immersion blender to puree. If serving immediately add cream and bring back to serving temperature. If freezing add cream when reheating.

olive oil, nutmeg, salt, pepper, leeks white portion, celery, shallots, butter, chicken, bay leaf, thyme, whipping cream

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/roasted-parsnip-and-pear-soup-50162063 (may not work)