Pumpkin Peanut Soup

Reminiscent of peanut soups made by French settlers to the Louisiana bayou country this luscious pumpkin and peanut soup makes a delightful first course for an elegant meal or is rich enough to stand alongside crusty bread and a crisp salad.

2 tablespoons butter
1 1/4 cups chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped shallots
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon crushed dried thyme
3 cups chicken broth
1 (15-ounce) can LIBBY'S� 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 1/2 cups milk
1/3 to 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1. Melt butter in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, shallots and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in marjoram and thyme; cook for 1 minute. Stir in broth and pumpkin; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in milk and peanut butter.

2. Transfer mixture to blender or food processor (in batches, if necessary); cover. Blend until smooth. Return to saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until heated through.

Makes 6 servings.

Recipe and photograph are the property of Nestl� and Meals.com, used with permission.