CREAMY CARROT SOUP

1 1/2 lbs carrots, peeled, trimmed & cut-up into pieces 3-inches long

1 medium yellow onion
2 large garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
32-oz vegetable broth
2 cups water
2 tbsp packed brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
2 tbsp cream
1/4 tsp salt
3 tbsp instant potato flakes or granules for thickening soup, if desired
chopped cashews for garnish, if desired
Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish, if desired

Sprinkle the onion and garlic over the bottom of the slow cooker or crock-pot; top with carrots.  Add the vegetable broth and water.  Place lid on cooker and cook for 6 hours on high or on low for 8 hours.

Uncover soup and stir in the brown sugar, ground ginger, cream, salt, and instant potatoes, if using.  Using either a blender, immersion blender, or food processor, puree carefully until of the desired consistency.

To serve, ladle the soup into soup bowls and garnish with the chopped cashews and cilantro, if desired.

Yield: 6 servings
Per serving: Approximately 108 cal, 2 g (1 g sat) fat, 2 g pro, 21 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 7 mg chol, and 910 mg sodium

Note: I first got this recipe from an old Family Circle magazine several years ago.