Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin Soup (Adapted from Rachel Ray)
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp butter
1 fresh bay leaf (I used 2 dried bay leaves)
2 ribs celery, finely chopped (*Note from Crystal...you know I'll be using my dehyrated celery)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped (or substitute dehydrated onions from the cannery- Combine 2 Tbsp dried onions with 8 Tbsp hot water and let sit 15 minutes)
Salt & Pepper
3 Tbsp flour
1 Tbsp poultry seasoning (or 2 tsp thyme)
2 Tbsp hot sauce
6 cups chicken broth
29-oz canned pumpkin puree
2 cups half and half (or heavy cream) (*Note from Crystal: Make your own substitute by using 3/4 C. Milk + 2 C. Water)
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Directions: Heat oil, butter, bay leaf, celery, onion, salt and pepper over medium-high heat in a soup pot. Cook 6-7 minutes until tender. Place celery and onion mixture in a food processor or blender for just a few seconds until mixture is smooth. (This part is optional- but I don't like chunks of onion or celery in a smooth pumpkin soup) Place back in soup pot and make sure the mixture is hot. Add flour, poultry seasoning and hot sauce; cook 1 minute. Whisk in chicken broth and bring liquid to a bubble. Whish in pumpkin in large spoonfuls, incorporating it into the broth. Simmer 10 minutes to thicken a bit. Add half and half or cream and nutmeg. Keep warm until ready to serve. Yields-16 cups