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- 2-2.5 lb. butternut/buttercup squash ( you can buy fresh and bake until tender, or make it easy and buy frozen squash that is already cut)
- ¼ cup fat free chicken broth (see note, below)
- 2 medium onions, minced
- 1 large, tart apple, cored and chopped
- 1 large pear, cored and chopped
- 1 stalk celery, minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground mace (I have also used nutmeg here)
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
- 2 (14-ounce) cans of fat free chicken broth, divided
- ½ cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon apple brandy (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated nutmeg to taste
- Toasted chopped pecans, bleu cheese, etc (optional)
(If you are using fresh squash, poke it with a fork often to pierce the skin before placing it in a 400 degree oven for 50-60 minutes or until THOROUGHLY tender. I've also cut the squash in half, scooped out the seeds and place cut-side down in a pan...this only takes 35-40 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to handle.)
(If using frozen, precut squash, cook according to directions over stove, in microwave or in oven until THOROUGHLY tender.)
Put ¼ cup chicken broth into large, heavy saucepan. When boiling, add onion, apple and pear. Cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally for 40 minutes. Note: if you want to use butter to sauté the onions, apples and pears, that's your call.
(If using fresh squash: scoop squash from rind and add to saucepan.)
(If using frozen, mash with fork and add to saucepan, mashing into the onion mixture.)
Add celery and spices. Stir in one can of the chicken broth, heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Transfer this mixture to a food processor or blender. Two batches might be necessary. CAREFULLY puree until completely smooth.
Return pureed soup to saucepan and stir in other can of chicken broth, white wine and brandy (if using). Add salt and pepper to taste. Heat until hot. When serving, sprinkle with nuts, cheese and nutmeg, if desired. I love it plain. Note: I've made this without wine OR brandy...still great.
This soup can be frozen!
