Party Hit Creamy Pumpkin Soup

This incredible creamy soup was the surprise favorite at our 2000 Halloween party. Better yet, it's really easy to make - and beautiful, served in its own attractively carved pumpkin-bowl, with a seasonal ribbon tied through the 'hat' to make a handle. This 'definitely' belongs on the holiday table again! If you're going to multiply the recipe but want to serve in one bowl, get a bigger pumpkin rather than more little ones.

• Preparation Time: 45 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
• Calories: 350 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 dash ground nutmeg
• 4 ½ pounds sugar pumpkin
• 4 cups seasoned croutons

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Cut the top off of the pumpkin and remove the seeds and strings. Carve out the flesh of the pumpkin until the shell is about 1/2 inch thick. Be careful not to make any holes in the skin - the pumpkin is the serving bowl. Steam the pumpkin flesh in a saucepan with an inch of water, over medium heat for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2

In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the chicken broth until warm. Puree the pumpkin flesh and gradually stir into the pumpkin broth. Slowly bring the mixture to a boil. Mix in the cream then season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Remove from heat. Pour soup into the pumpkin shell and garnish with croutons. Top with the pumpkin cap.