Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

We went last week to the Cook's for our Bon Appetit dinner...and one of the recipes Valene (who I call my favorite chef) served a soup from Bon Appetit.  Yesterday Valene called to ask me what my favorite soups were...since she is hosting a Halloween dinner for her kids...and I immediately said, "the soup you just fed us for dinner at your house!"  It really is a 5-star recipe.

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

 

     2 tablespoons(1/4 stick) butter

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoonground nutmeg
• 4 1/4 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 1/4 cups(or more) vegetable broth
• 1 Gala apple, peeled, cored, diced
• 1/2 cup apple juice
• Light sour cream
• Chopped fresh chives

Preparation

Melt butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and nutmeg; sauté until onion begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add squash, 4 1/4 cups broth, apple, and apple juice. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered until squash and apple are tender, about 30 minutes. Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to pot. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring soup to simmer, thinning with more broth if desired. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with sour cream and chives