1/4 c. butter (low fat works well)
1 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped celery
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/2 tsp. salt (opt.)
1/4 tsp. ground pepper
3 c. chicken broth
1 bouillon cube
1 3/4 c. (16 oz. can) solid pack pumpkin
1 c. half & half
Chopped chives or green onion tops

In a large saucepan, melt butter; saute onion, celery and garlic until soft. Add salt, if desired, and pepper; cook for 1 minute. Add broth and bouillon cube; simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Stir in pumpkin and half and half; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend. Top with chopped onion. Serve warm. Makes 6 cups. Double this recipe to make 12 cups!