Exotic Spiced Pumpkin Soup

From the "Enlightened Chocolate" cookbook

Exotic Spiced Pumpkin Soup: serves 8 ( 1 c. = 2 points +)

• 1 T. light stick butter
• 3/4 c. chopped carrot
• 3/4 c. chopped celery
• 1 c. chopped onion
• 1 large banana, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 4-1/2 c. FF chicken broth
• 1 can ( 15 oz) solid pack pumpkin
• 1-1/2 c. light coconut milk
• 2 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1-1/2 tsp. mild curry powder
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. coriander
• 1/4 tsp. allspice
• 1/8 tsp. ground cloves

Melt butter in a large heavy pot. Add carrot, celery, banana, onion, bay leaves and garlic. Saute until vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaves. Transfer vegetable mixture to a food processor and process until smooth. Return mixture to pot. Add the chicken broth, pumpkin, coconut milk, cocoa, and spices. Simmer soup over medium high heat for 15 minutes to blend flavors. Cool slightly. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper.