30 Minute Butternut Squash Soup

If you start out with a squash already baked, this recipe will be ready in about 30 minutes.

Butternut Squash Soup

1 med baked Butternut Squash (bake halves at 350 degrees for 1 hour)
1 large apple, finely chopped
1 med onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 T butter
1 1/2 C broth
3 oz. cream cheese
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
Salt, to taste

Directions:
* Bake your squash in advance and scoop out of shell
* On the stovetop in a 3qt. pot, saute apple, onion, and garlic in butter until onions are translucent
* Stir in squash and broth and heat until simmering
* Stir in cream cheese and seasonings, continue stirring until cream cheese has completely melted in the soup
* Using a hand blender, puree the soup to your desired consistency
* Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the favors before serving

* Enjoy!

How to Cook a Spaghetti Squash

The top picture is what a properly cooked spaghetti squash will look like. I tend to serve it as I would spaghetti and so that I do not get too many complaints from my family I serve a meat sauce on top instead of a veggie sauce that I like on my pasta.

I find it is easier and quicker to cook if you slice it in half first and scoop out the seeds. Then place it in a baking dish upside down so the inside of the squash faces the inside of the pan.)

Bake: 375 degree for 45 minutes

Microwave: for approximately 10 minutes

If you bake it and it is not quite done just pop it in the microwave for 2 minutes at a time.

Make It Monday: Crockpot Pureed Butternut Squash Soup

It's simple, healthy, low-fat, filling and inexpensive. Can it get any better than that?

Pureed Butternut Squash Soup
1 large butternut squash (will be about 4-5 C of cubed squash)
4 C broth
1 med onion, chopped
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pepper to taste

Directions:
Peel, remove seeds and cube squash and place in crockpot (slow cooker).  Add broth, onion and cinnamon. Stir. Cook on high in a crockpot for 3-4 hours. Puree in blender, food processor or an electric hand blender. Top with a dollop of sour cream (or green yogurt) and serve.