Day 280.

This is not the best picture. I took it quickly--we were expecting a house full of people. This is a creamy and full-of-flavor soup that tastes like it has a bunch of butter and cream in it. It does not.

The Ingredients.

1 large butternut squash
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 small medium onions, or 2 tablespoons onion flakes
4 cups broth, chicken or vegetable
2 small apples, peeled and cubed
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

The Directions.

Use at least a 5 quart crockpot for this soup.

Cut the squash in half long ways. This is terribly hard to do. If you microwave the entire squash for 2 to 5 minutes on high, the skin will soften, but you will still need to use a pretty powerful knife. If you can find already peeled and cubed butternut squash use that.

I couldn't believe how difficult it was for me to cut the squash. My knife got stuck. 

(reader tip by Carma S. Nov 20 2012: Hi,  I was just reading the crock pot butternut squash soup blog, about cutting the squash in half.  I used to do that, now I put foil on a cookie sheet and bake the washed butternut for about an hour--depending on the size--then cut it in 1/2 (much easier), and scoop out the seeds. Then I lay each half, cut side down onto foil, and  either cook more or peel off the skin and cut up as needed for my recipe.
I also love this soup!)


Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp. Brush olive oil on the inside of the squash and roast it in the oven at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes, or until you can peel the skin away from the flesh.

Plug in your crockpot and turn to high. Add the broth, and the onion and apple. Stir in the spices. Cover to let heat.

When the squash has finished roasting, add it to the pot. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for about 4.

Blend in small batches with a stand blender, or carefully blend with an immersible wand.

The Verdict.

This is a comfort soup. I like to curl up with a mug and watch TV. My mom, grandma, and I all like squash soup, but we're the only ones who do in the family. This is what I'm going to have for lunch this week.

more squash recipes you might like:
candied acorn squash
harvest stew
no noodle lasagna