Fireside Pumpkin Soup with Spiced Pecan Gremolata

Spiced Pecan Gremolata: 1/2 cup pecans 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1 tablespoon orange zest 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 clove garlic, minced Soup: 1 tablespoon – butter 1 shallot, peeled and diced 1 (15 oz) can Trader Joe’s Organic Pumpkin 1 teaspoon – freshly grated ginger 1/8 teaspoon – cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon – Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pie Spice 1 tablespoon – honey 2 cups – vegetable broth 1/2 cup – half-and-half 1. To prepare the gremolata, place the pecans in a food processor and process until finely chopped; add the lemon zest, orange zest, cayenne pepper and minced garlic. Process just until combined. Transfer gremolata to a small bowl and set aside. 2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until tender about 2-3 minutes. 3. Add the pumpkin, ginger, cayenne pepper, salt, pumpkin pie spice, honey, and the broth to the shallots. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. 4. Transfer mixture to a blender container or a food processor. Puree soup until smooth then return to the saucepan. 5. Bring soup to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the half-and-half and heat until warm. 6. To serve, ladle the soup into serving bowls and top with the pecan gremolata. Yield: 4 servings