Maple Pumpkin Bisque – Branon's West View Maples - Vermont Maple Syrup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons walnut oil or cooking oil
• 3/4 cup chopped shallots
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1 15 - 16 ounce can pumpkin pie filling
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional garnish)