Curried Vegetable Bisque

In the last two weeks, I've been on a soup  binge. Last night I asked Ed which soup was his favorite. This was his winner.

My daughter watched me chop all the apples, onions, and peppers and said she wouldn't eat it. She said that apples and raisins didn't belong in soup. But once it was all bended together, she actually pronounced it  good!

Curried Vegetable Bisque
Adapted from Simply in Season

2 cups onion, chopped
2 cups red sweet pepper, chopped
3/4 cup celery, chopped
In large pot saute in a little oil for 5 minutes.

5 cup tart apple, peeled and chopped
1 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
3 cup potatoes, chopped
1/2 cup raisins
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup tomato juice
1-3 T curry powder (according to your taste)
1/2 tsp thyme
Stir in and bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until all vegetables are soft. Puree in batches in blender or food processor. Return everything to soup pot.

3 cups milk.
2 cup cooked chicken, chopped (optional)
Stir in. Heat until hot but not boiling.

I added a little grated cheese  when serving - just so that my children would try it!