Rustic Autumn Soup

Ingredients

• 5 medium parsnips, chopped
• 5 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped
• 1 medium turnip, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 medium tart apple, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped roasted sweet red pepper
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups half-and-half cream
• Optional garnish: additional cooked finely chopped carrots, parsnips and/or apples, fresh chives