Silky Smooth Pumpkin Bisque (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 4 bacon strips, chopped
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 6 cups chicken broth
05 - 1 can (29 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/8 teaspoon pepper
09 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
10 - 1 cup shredded Gouda cheese
11 - 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
12 - Additional shredded Gouda cheese (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Discard drippings, reserving 1 tablespoon in the pan. Saute onion in the drippings until tender.
02 - Add garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute longer. Stir in chicken broth, pumpkin, salt, nutmeg, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
03 - Cool the soup slightly. In a blender, process the soup in batches until smooth. Return all blended soup to the pan.
04 - Stir in heavy cream and heat through. Add shredded Gouda cheese and stir until melted. Sprinkle each serving with parsley, bacon, and additional cheese if desired.

# Notes:

01 - Cool the soup slightly before blending to avoid splatter. Use a towel to cover the blender lid for safety.