Warm Up Your Holidays with a Signature Pumpkin Soup

As the days grow shorter and the crisp autumn air makes way for the coziness of the holiday season, there's nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade soup. Today, we’re delighted to bring you a special holiday recipe from Brenda O'Donnell, an award-winning home chef based in Elk Grove, CA. Brenda is known for her catering expertise and has received numerous accolades for her delicious dishes, especially her pumpkin creations that have become a favorite for the holidays. Brenda’s cooking is beloved throughout the Sacramento area, and her signature dishes are known for their simple elegance and incredible flavor.

Her Pumpkin Soup was chosen and featured in the cookbook Tastes Across the States, which was featured in The Sacramento Bee. This flavorful and hearty dish is perfect for embracing the flavors of fall, blending fresh pumpkin with aromatic ingredients like garlic, onion, and a hint of white wine. Whether you're serving it as an appetizer or enjoying it as a comforting main course, this Pumpkin Soup will be a delicious and sophisticated addition to your Thanksgiving feast, sure to impress your family and friends.

Elevate Your Table Setting with CG Hunter Essentials

The presentation of a dish can make a world of difference, setting the tone for the entire dining experience. The Pumpkin Soup in the accompanying images is placed on the Charlotte Serving Tray. This beautifully handcrafted tray, featuring a crème-colored, food-safe enamel finish, provides an understated yet sophisticated backdrop that elevates any dish. Its lightweight, elegant design makes it easy to use, whether you're carrying individual soup bowls to the table or using it as a display for festive holiday gatherings.

Another element that will make your holiday table extra special is the Ivory Table Cloth. Crafted from 100% linen and adorned with a subtle gray and red berries print, this tablecloth adds a touch of elegance while embracing the warmth of the holiday season. The neutral color palette makes it a versatile choice for any occasion, seamlessly complementing the rustic charm of Brenda's Pumpkin Soup.

To add an inviting, cozy atmosphere to your Thanksgiving gathering, consider incorporating the Tapered Candleholder, Natural Wood. Made from natural mango wood, these handcrafted candle holders lend an organic, warm touch to your decor, perfectly pairing with the simple, earthy vibe of this classic soup. Arrange them around your serving area to create a soft, flickering glow that is sure to add to the magic of your holiday dinner.

Time to Make the Best Pumpkin Soup for Thanksgiving

With a few simple ingredients and Brenda's expert tips, you’ll be able to create a dish that looks as good as it tastes—complete with a beautiful garnish of cream, parsley, and toasted pumpkin seeds for an added crunch. Get ready to bring warmth to your table with this classic, flavorful holiday favorite.

Pumpkin Soup Recipe by Brenda O'Donnell

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, diced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 6 cups fresh pumpkin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• For garnish: heavy whipping cream and parsley; for added texture, you can add toasted pumpkin seeds.

Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 6-8

Instructions:

In a Dutch oven, add olive oil, just enough to coat the bottom of the pot. Heat olive oil over medium heat, add onions and about a teaspoon of salt; cook onions until soft, about 3-5 minutes.

Add garlic and white wine, and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the pumpkin and chicken broth and cook until the pumpkin is fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

For a richer taste, oven roast the pumpkin until tender and then follow the remaining directions.

When the pumpkin is tender, set aside about 1/2 cup to use as garnish, if desired.

Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender. Garnish with cream, reserved pumpkin, and parsley.

Now enjoy this flavorful dish with friends and family, and let the warm aroma fill your home with holiday cheer!

At the Thanksgiving Table

We hope you enjoy bringing Brenda's delicious Pumpkin Soup to your Thanksgiving table. The warmth of fall flavors combined with the elegant styling of CG Hunter pieces will surely impress your guests and make this holiday season one to remember.

A heartfelt thank you to Brenda O'Donnell for sharing her delightful recipe with us. Her passion for cooking truly shines through in every bowl of this comforting soup. For more delicious recipes, check out Tastes Across the States. 

Feel free to share your festive table setting by tagging us on Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest. We love seeing how you celebrate the season with CG Hunter products!