Rustic Autumn Soup Recipe

5 medium parsnips, chopped 5 medium carrots, chopped 2 medium onions, chopped 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped 1 medium turnip, peeled and chopped 1/2 medium tart apple, peeled and chopped 2 tablespoons chopped roasted sweet red pepper 2 celery ribs, chopped 3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth 2 bay leaves 1 garlic clove, minced 1 teaspoon dried tarragon 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 2 cups half-and-half cream Optional garnish: additional cooked finely chopped carrots, parsnips and/or apples, fresh chives