Sweet Potato Bisque

Sweet Potato Bisque

2 T unsalted butter
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground thyme
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
6 C chicken stock (or veg stock)
2 dried bay leaves
4 large sweet potatoes (about 1 and 1/2 lbs), peeled and cubed
1 Tbsp light brown sugar
1/2 C heavy cream
1/2 C fat free half and half
1 Tbsp dry sherry

red pepper flakes to taste
salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter over med heat and add garlic. Saute 1 minute (do not brown). Add thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg and stir another minute. Add stock, sweet potatoes, bay leaves, brown sugar. Stir and bring to a boil over high heat. Simmer over med to med high heat for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are very tender. Take out Bay Leaves and puree with Immersion Blender. Add cream and half and half. Add sherry and adjust seasonings if necessary. I toasted some pumpkin seeds and garnished with them.