Smoky Pumpkin Soup

This recipe comes from the book Witch in the Kitchen by Cait Johnson. I just made it tonight and it tastes amazing :-D

- 3 tablespoons butter, margarine, or olive oil (I used butter)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small to medium carrot, sliced in 1/2-inch rounds
- 1/2 cup well-scrubbed sweet potato, cut into chunks
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (or 1 cup chopped raw pumpkin) (I couldn't obtain a pumpkin, so I used canned pumpkin)
- 1 slice oat bread, torn into pieces (this adds body and oaty nourishment. If oat bread is unavailable, substitute whole wheat and add 1 tablespoon rolled oats)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon crumbled dried sage
- 1/2 cup light cream or half-and-half (vegans may substitute soy milk or 2 tablespoons cashew or almond butter for a creamy texture) (I used half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup smoked gouda cheese, grated (this is what gives the soup its delightfully smoky flavor; vegans may use a few drops of natural smoke flavoring instead)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Suggested toppings (optional):
-Dollop of sour cream, whipped cream, or creme fraiche
-Small mound of grated smoked gouda
-Grating of fresh nutmeg or a pinch of dried sage or thyme
-Sprinkling of cayenne, for those who love heat
- Spoonful of pumpkin seeds, raw or toasted.

Directions:
In a large soup pot, heat the butter on medium. When the butter is melted, add the onion, garlic, carrot, and sweet potato. Saute the vegetables, stirring to coat with butter, for a few minutes, until the onion is translucent. Add the vegetable broth, pumpkin puree, oat bread, thyme, and sage. Stir to mix thoroughly, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the sweet potato is tender, about 30 minutes.
Add the light cream/half-and-half, cheese, and parsley. Stir to mix and continue to simmer (do not boil) until the cheese is melted.
Puree in batches in your blender or food processor, adding more cream to thin, if needed.
Serve warm in individual bowls with a combination of any of the suggested toppings.