Pumpkin Winter Soup

INGREDIENTS
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
3 leeks, thinly sliced only white inside
15 oz can pumpkin puree
32 oz carton vegetable broth
1 Pinch ground cloves
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/4 cup brown sugar
Salt to taste
heavy cream or half and half for garnish is optional

DIRECTIONS
Heat oil and butter together in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add sliced leeks and saute gently until leeks are soft. Add pumpkin puree and spices, stir until well mixed, then while stirring, pour in vegetable broth. Add sugar slowly while constantly stirring. (depending on your taste preference, taste as your going along) Bring to a low boil then lower to a simmer for 10 minutes. If desired, pour a tsp or so of cream or half and half into bowl before ladeling in soup and add a dash of cinnamon.
Serves: 6