Slow Cooker Cream of Leek Soup

Cream of Leek Soup:

• 4 medium leeks, white and pale green parts roughly chopped
• 1 medium yellow cooking onion, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 large russet potato or 2 smaller ones, approx. 1.25-1.5 lbs, peeled and roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 medium leaf, dried or fresh
• 1 tsp dried thyme or 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cups whipping cream*

Chorizo Croutons:

• 3-4 links chorizo sausage, casings removed and crumbled into large chunks