Parsnip Pear Soup

2 tsp               Vegetable oil
1                     Onion (medium to large)
2                     Large carrots
2                     Large parsnips
2 to 3              Pears
1 t.                  Salt
3 tsp               Brown sugar
1/2 tsp            Cinnamon
1/4 tsp            Allspice
4 1/2 cups      Water

Heat oil in frying pan. Add diced onions, carrots, parsnips and pears in this order. You can add the onions, sauté them while cutting the carrots, sauté them while cutting the parsnips, sauté them while cutting the pears and then sauté the whole bunch for another 3 to 4 minutes. Add the salt, sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and transfer to a soup pot. Add the water. Cover and bring to a boil. Then lower the heat and simmer for 10 to 20 minutes, until vegetables are soft. Mash with a potato masher for a coarse soup or puree for a smooth soup.