gingered carrot soup
   4 tbsp. margarine/butter  8 cups shaved carrot  4 stalks chopped celery  1 chopped red onion  2-4 tbsp. gingerbread seasoning or 8 tbsp. fresh grated ginger    Melt butter in large saucepan on medium.  Add the rest of the ingredients.  Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until onion is softened.   12 cups vegetable stock  4 tbsp. honey  1 tsp salt  1tsp pepper    Add remaining ingredients.  Bring to a boil  Reduce heat to medium/low  Simmer covered for 50 minutes stirring occasionally  Process with hand blender until it is the desired consistency   ** you can puree in blender until smooth.   1 cup whole grain rice    Boil to desired doneness  Add to soup  Stir well and serve    NOTE: This recipe called for me to add the rice to the soup with the salt and pepper using the soup to cook the rice and then puree EVERYTHING. I have changed the instructions for the likes of our family. I partly pureed the soup and will add the rice before serving.    "Bon Appetit!"