Name: Sweet-Potato Soup with Nutmeg and Maple Syrup
Yield: Makes 6 to 8 first-course servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter; 1 cup chopped onion; 2 small celery stalks, stalks and leaves chopped separately; 1 medium leek, sliced (white and pale green parts only); 1 large garlic clove, chopped; 1 1/2 pounds red-skinned sweet potatoes (yams), peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 5 cups); 4 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth; 1 cinnamon stick; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 1/2 cups half and half; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

"While visiting my daughter near Portland, Oregon, I ordered the soup of the day at Mother's Bistro & Bar," writes Roslyn Levy of Palm Harbor, Florida. "It turned out to be the best sweet-potato soup I've ever had."

Buy leafy celery stalks for this soup; the chopped leaves make a great garnish.

Recipe notes

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