Harvest Soup

Here's a Thursday morning recipe for you to try.  It's a great way to incorporate some of the fall veggies and fruits you may have around!  I made this a couple of weeks ago and I thought it was just ok.  Now, I know that doesn't sound very convincing for you to try it, but, I was a little out of my box on this one.  If you like the ingredients, I'm sure you'll love the soup!  The only thing extra I did was add a few spices.  I thought it was overwhelmingly carroty, so I muted that with some cinnamon and a small amount of curry.  Give it a try!

Havest Soup
adapted from PARENTS magazine, October 2011

1 Tbs olive oil
1/2 c copped carrot
1/2 c chopped celery
1/3 c chopped onion
1 1/2 pounds butternut squash, seeded and cut into 1 inch cubes
2 medium apples, cored and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
ground pepper to taste
spices to taste

1.  Heat oil in a big soup pot on medium heat.  Add your chopped carrots, celery, and onions.  (You don't have to perfectly chop these, as you'll be pureeing this soup.)  Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes or until tender and starting to brown.  Add your squash, apples, and broth.  (I used Gala's from Huber Farms, and they were quite small, so I cut up 3 or 4 of them.)  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.  Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.  Cool slightly.

2.  Puree soup using your preferred method. I use an imersion blender, a fun little kitchen gadget in my arsenal!  But a blender or a food processor will work just as well.  Taste and add your spices to taste.  Enjoy!

Nutrition info per 1.5 cups serving size. (Makes 6 cups)

185 calories
6g protein
4g fat (1g sat fat)
35 g carbs
6 g fiber
88 mg calcium
1 mg iron
531 mg sodium

If you make it, let me know what you think!  It actually is a really rich and creamy soup.  And, the best part...no cream!! 

Hope you all are surviving the week well.  I'm not sure if you remember me saying I was going to jump back on the diet wagon earlier this week...well, I jumped and fell flat on my face.  That stinking Halloween candy is doing me in!  Hopefully, I can pull it together by Saturday! 

Not sure if you all realize it, but in only 3 weeks from today, it is National Food Binge Day, aka Thanksgiving.  And to prepare for that, I have a challenge for us!  I'll post more on that soon!  Check back!!

I know this is becoming an extremely long post, but, wanted to throw this out there.  If anyone wants to post a recipe for everyone to try, email it on over to me and I'll get it up here.  Now, I've taken several pictures of the food I've prepared, but when it comes time to post them, I'm too embarrassed.  First of all, my photography skills are that of a 6 year old.  And, secondly, I have a small, horribly lit kitchen.  The picture I had for the soup made it appear very unappetizing.  I'll try better in the future!

Toodaloo!