Butternut Squash Soup with Apple Relish

We've got another busy, fun fall weekend ahead.  What do y'all have on your agenda?  We are heading to Chattanooga to visit my brother and his lovely family, doing some shopping, and going to a kid's museum.  On the way back home we are driving through Gatlinburg to see the fall colors.  Gatlinburg is gorgeous this time of year.  OK, onto the food.  This soup is so good.  Creamy, rich and just a tiny kick.  It really is worth it to buy a butternut squash and roast it.  The apple relish adds a nice sweetness and crunch. 

Tips:

 I use a Immersion blender that I got off Amazon.  If you puree soups or make shakes often it is a great kitchen tool.  If you don't have one, you can easily puree this in a blender.  Just make sure to do it in small batches.

If your a vegetarian you can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken bouillon.

Ingredients:

1  (2 lb.) butternut squash
1/4 onion, chopped
4 tablespoons butter
3 cups water
4 chicken bouillon cubes
salt and pepper to taste
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cubed and softened
1/8 -1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper ( I use 1/4 teaspoon but I like things to have a nice kick, if your not sure start with the smaller amount)
Apple relish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cut butternut squash in half lengthwise.  Place on a baking sheet.  Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.  Roast for 45 minutes or until tender.  Remove from oven and cool.

Remove skin from squash.  It will easily peel off.  Cut squash into cubes.

In a large saucepan over medium heat melt butter.  Add onions and saute until tender.  Add squash, water, bouillon cubes, cayenne pepper, and cream cheese.  Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring to break up cream cheese.  Blend until squash and cream cheese are smooth.  Return to pan and add salt and pepper to taste.  Top with apple relish and serve immediately.

Apple Relish

1 large apple, finely chopped
1/4 red onion, chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix together all ingredients in a small bowl.

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