Apple Curry Soup

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
5 cooking apples, peeled, cored and chopped
3 cups warm water
3 teaspoons vegetable base or bouillon granules
3/4 cup half-and-half
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper

1. Melt butter in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender. Stir in curry powder and flour; cook for 1 minute. Stir in apples, water and vegetable base; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cook, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until apples are very tender.
2. Transfer mixture to food processor or blender container, in batches if necessary. Cover and process until smooth. (Caution! Hot liquids create steam which will blow the top off the blender! Be sure to securely hold blender lid down!)
3. Return to saucepan. Stir in half-and-half and pepper. Warm, stirring occasionally, over medium-low heat until heated through.

Makes 4 servings.