Carrot Ginger Soup with Star Anise

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 pounds carrots peeled and chopped
• 1 onion medium, diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger freshly grated
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
• 5 whole star anise two for grating for garnish, optional*
• 1/4 cup cream
• coarse salt
• cayenne pepper