Curried Pumpkin Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (3 lb) pumpkin, halved lengthwise and cleaned or 2 cups canned pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 small pears, peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or 1/2 cup apple juice
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• salt & freshly ground black pepper