Butternut Squash Soup With Maple

Ingredients

• 3 ounces butter
• 6 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 cups onions, diced
• 4 macintosh apples, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 cup apple juice
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 lime, juice of

Directions

1. 1

   Melt butter in a thick bottom pot over medium heat.

2. 2

   Saute onions, apples and squash 15 minutes, stirring.

3. 3

   Add apple juice and cook until liquid reduces by 1/2.

4. 4

   Add chicken stock and 1/4 cup maple syrup.

5. 5

   Reducing heat to low, simmer until squash is tender, stirring occasionally (about 30 minutes).

6. 6

   Cool for about 10 minutes.

7. 7

   Working in batches, place mixture in blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

8. 8

   Return each batch to pot.

9. 9

   Simmer on low heat.

10. 10

    Heat cream slowly in a separate pot and slowly whisk into the soup.

11. 11

    Add lime juice, remaining maple syrup and season to taste with salt and pepper.

12. 12

    Serve with a dollop of butter on top.