Butternut Squash Soup

Culinarily speaking ... nothing heralds the autumnal season for me quite like pumpkins ... and squashes of any variety. This is one of my favorite soups of the season, one I enjoy clear through the cold wintry days ahead. This soup is hearty, filling, nutritious ... and so, so good. A simple soup for a busy afternoon or a brisk evening. It will keep up to three days in the refrigerator or make a double batch and freeze for later.


Butternut Squash Soup

3 slices uncured Applewood Turkey Bacon (or any turkey bacon)
1 tablespoon butter
1 sweet onion, coarsely chopped
1 2-3 pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into about 1-inch pieces
3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon minced fresh ginger (or ground)
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 15oz can reduced sodium chicken stock (or 2 cups homemade chicken stock)
1 3/4 cups water

Directions

Cook bacon in a large stock pot until brown and crisp. Remove from pot and when cool, crumble and set aside. Drain and discard fat from the pot.

Melt butter in pot and cook onion until soft and golden, about 15 minutes. Add squash, thyme, ginger, 2 teaspoons salt, broth and water. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until squash is tender; about 15 minutes. Discard thyme stems.

Puree soup in blender or with hand blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper if needed or to taste.  Using freshly crumbled bacon, garnish the top of each bowl and soup. I love to serve this soup with crusty Italian bread and a side salad with dried cranberries and toasted walnuts.

Enjoy the flavors of the season!

15 Fall Superfoods

The days are getting cooler but fall's superfoods are only now riping on the vine, easily accessible and ready for your autumnal table. According to Health.com, here are 15 amazing superfoods to incorporate into your seasonal menus:


1. Apples

Sweet or tart, apples are satisfying eaten raw or baked into a delicious dish. Just be sure to eat the skin—it contains hearty-healthy flavonoids. Health benefits include:

• Full of antioxidants
• 4 grams of dietary fiber per serving

2. Brussels sprouts

Made the correct way, these veggies taste divine. They have a mild, somewhat bitter taste, so combine them with tangy or savory sauces, like balsamic vinegar. Health benefits include:

• 1/2 cup contains more than your DRI of vitamin K
• Very good source of folate
• Good source of iron

3. Parsnips

Though these veggies may resemble carrots, they have a lighter color and sweeter, almost nutty flavor. Use them to flavor rice and potatoes or puree them into soups and sauces. Health benefits include:

• Rich in potassium
• Good source of fiber

4. Pears

The sweet and juicy taste makes this fruit a crowd-pleaser. Cooking can really bring out their fabulous flavor, so try them baked or poached. Health benefits include:

• Good source of vitamin C and copper
• 4 grams of fiber per serving

5. Rutabaga

A cross between a turnip and a cabbage, rutabagas are a popular Swedish dish. To utilize their earthy flavor, add them to casseroles, puree them with turnips and carrots to make a sweet soup, or roast them with ginger, honey, or lemon. Health benefits include:

• Good source of fiber
• Good source of vitamin C

6. Cauliflower

The sweet, slightly nutty flavor of cauliflower is perfect for winter side dishes. It's wonderful steamed, but it can also be blended to create a mashed potato-like texture or pureed into soup. Health benefits include:

• Compounds that may help to prevent cancer
• Phytonutrients may lower cholesterol" "Excellent source of vitamin C

7. Squash

Unlike summer squash, winter squash has a fine texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Because of its thick skin, it can be stored for months. It tastes best with other fall flavorings, like cinnamon and ginger. Health benefits include:

• Contains omega-3 fatty acids
• Excellent source of vitamin A

8. Pumpkin

A type of winter squash, pumpkin can be used for much more than jack-o'-lanterns. Its sweet taste and moist texture make it ideal for pies, cakes, and even pudding! Health benefits include:

• Rich in potassium
• More than 20% of your DRI of fiber
• Good source of B vitamins

9. Sweet potatoes

These veggies are for much more than Thanksgiving casseroles. More nutritionally dense than their white-potato counterparts, try roasting them—they'll taste delicious, and you may maintain more vitamins than boiling. Health benefits include:

• Excellent source of vitamin A
• Good source of iron
• Anti-inflammatory benefits

10. Turnips

Tender and mild, these root vegetables are a great alternative to radishes and cabbage. To flavor these veggies, use fennel, bread crumbs, or even brown sugar. Turnip leaves, which taste like mustard leaves, are easy to cook and dense in nutrients. Health benefits include:

• The roots are a good source of vitamin C
• Turnip leaves are an excellent source of vitamins A, K, and folate

11. Pomegranates

This slightly sour fruit has gotten a lot of press as an antioxidant powerhouse. The juice provides a tangy base for marinades, and the seeds can be tossed into salads to amp up the flavor. Health benefits include:

• A UCLA study showed pomegranate juice has higher antioxidant levels than red wine
• Good source of vitamin C and folate

12. Dates

This Middle Eastern favorite is a sweet fruit that is perfect braised in stews, chopped up in desserts, or stuffed with cream cheese or almonds. Health benefits include:

• Low in fat
• Good source of fiber
• Good source of potassium

13. Kiwi

Use this sweet fruit to add a tropical flavor to your recipes. It's great mixed with strawberries, cantaloupe, or oranges and can be combined with pineapple to make a tangy chutney. Health benefits include:

• More vitamin C than an orange
• Good source of potassium and copper

14. Grapefruit

The signature tartness of grapefruit provides a contrast to other citrus fruit. Add it to mixed greens, combine it with avocado and shrimp, or enjoy a fresh glass of its antioxidant-rich juice. Health benefits include:

• More than 75% of your daily recommended intake (DRI) of vitamin C
• Good source of lycopene
• Contains pectin, which has been shown to lower cholesterol

15. Tangerines

The small and sweet citrus fruits are positively refreshing for fall recipes. Our favorite flavor combos include almonds, dates, and honey. Juice them with oil, vinegar, and ginger for a to-die-for dressing. Health benefits include:

• Good source of vitamin C
• Good source of beta-carotene

Source: health.com