by GRP Biathlete Margie Freed

Here at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, we grow all of our own squash that is served in the dining hall. As you can imagine, that's a lot of squash - it took about 20 people to harvest, wash, and store it all. Hopefully you can make it to the Center for one of these squash meals this winter. But in case you get hungry in the meantime, check out this acorn squash soup recipe from the blog Spend With Pennies .

Ingredients

3 lbs acorn squash (~2 medium or 1 large) (~4 cups)
1 T olive oil
2 T butter (can sub in oil instead) 
1 onion (½-inch diced)
1 carrot (1-inch pieces chopped)
2 celery ribs (1-inch pieces chopped)
1 clove garlic (minced)
½ t dried thyme leaves or 1-2 sprigs fresh
¼ t dried ground sage or poultry seasoning
3 C chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 small apple any tart variety, peeled, cored and chopped
1 bay leaf
1 C heavy whipping cream or coconut milk from can
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Cut each half again so you have quarters. Brush with olive oil. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes or until squash is fork tender.

2. While squash is roasting, heat the butter in a large saucepan or dutch oven. Add onion and cook until slightly softened.

3. Add the carrot, celery, garlic, and seasonings and cook until slightly softened.

4. Scoop the flesh of the squash and it add to the pot along with the broth & diced apple.

5. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for about 15 minutes or until apples are tender.

6. Remove from heat (discard bay leaf and thyme stem if using fresh). Blend until smooth.

7. Bring back to a simmer, stir in heavy cream to taste, and salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Notes

• Choose any type of apple. 

• If using a regular blender or immersion blender, this soup is best strained. If using a high power blender (such as a Blendtec or Vitamix) there is no need to strain. (I didn’t strain the soup)

• You can use all or just some of the heavy cream or coconut milk based on personal preference.