1 pound bulk Italian sausage
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms (optional)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 carton (32 ounces) unsalted chicken stock
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
1 tablespoon sugar or sugar substitute equivalent
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup cold water
1/3 cup cornstarch
2 cups shredded smoked cheddar cheese
n a Dutch oven, cook sausage, mushrooms and onion over medium-high heat until sausage is no longer pink and vegetables are tender, 8-10 minutes, breaking up sausage into crumbles; drain. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add stock, pumpkin, sugar and seasonings. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 10 minutes.
Stir in cream. In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch until smooth. Stir into pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Add cheese; cook and stir until melted.
Tips:
If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, try some spooned over biscuits.
Don't be tempted to substitute plainer cheese for the smoked cheddar. The smoky cheese really adds a complementary flavor to the soup.