Autumn Leaves, Sunshine and Soup!

Well that was truly an incredible weekend! We could not have ordered better weather! Blue skies and warm sunshine from beginning to end, it was an absolutely perfect long weekend! Getting together with family was, as always, great and something that I am always thankful for.

As promised I thought I better bring you a quick post, that I ran out of time to do before the weekend and before I get too busy again! I wanted to share one of my favorite recipes for Fall. It is for a delish Roast Squash soup, and it is always a hit, PLUS it is so easy!
Ingredients:

7 Cups       Chopped Butternut Squash
2                Medium pears, peeled, cored and quartered
2 tsp.         Cooking oil
1/4 tsp.      Salt

1 Tbsp.       Cooking oil
1 1/2 Cups  Chopped Onion
2                 Garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 tsp.    Ground Ginger
3/4 tsp.       Ground Cumin
1/2 tsp.       Chili powder
1/4 tsp.       Pepper

4 Cups         Prepare Vegetable Broth
1/4-1/2 tsp.  Salt

1/2 Cup      Whipping Cream (or whole milk)

1 1/2 oz       Crumbled Feta cheese (about 1/3 cup)
1-2 Tbsp.    Chopped fresh chive, cut into 1/2 inch lengths

Combine first 4 ingredients in large bowl. Arrange in single layer on greased baking sheet with sides. Bake in 400 F (205 C) oven for about 1 hour, stirring twice, until squash is thender and lightly browned.

Heat second amount of cooking oil in large pot or Dutch oven on medium-low. Add onion and garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes stirring occasionally, until onion is soft.

Add next 4 ingredients. Heat and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.

Add squash mixture, broth and second amount of salt. Bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes to blend flavours. Cool slightly. Process in blender, in 2 or 3 batches (I use my braun handblender), until smooth. Return to same pot.

Add whipping cream. Heat and stir on medium-high for about 5 minutes until hot.

Sprinkle feta cheese and chives over individual servings, or serve seperately.
Makes about 8 cups. Serves 6.

Hope that you will try this out soon and let me know what you think of it!