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A person holding dirt in their hand and putting seeds into it.

Seed Orientation and Depth: Keys to Successful Germination

Discover the secret to successful seed planting. Learn how the orientation of seeds can significantly impact their germination and growth.

by Stephen Scott

Recipes

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash are deliciously sweet and silky, making creamy cold weather soups. You can use almost any hard winter squash to make this soup.

by Stephen Scott

Seed Germination

Seed Orientation and Depth: Keys to Successful Germination

Discover the secret to successful seed planting. Learn how the orientation of seeds can significantly impact their germination and growth.

by Stephen Scott

Recipes

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash are deliciously sweet and silky, making creamy cold weather soups. You can use almost any hard winter squash to make this soup.

by Stephen Scott

Roasted Butternut squash is the mainstay in many delicious cold season soups, with good reason. They are satisfying, slightly sweet and lend themselves to many savory seasonings without being overwhelmed. Here’s an unusual take on the classic with a slightly sweet twist thanks to maple syrup! It is very easy to make and works equally well as a cold weather soup served hot or a surprising spring soup served chilled.

Here’s what could come out of your garden for this recipe – carrots, onions, parsley and butternut squash!

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash are deliciously sweet and silky, making creamy cold weather soups. You can use almost any hard winter squash to make this soup, and the rich sweetness of the carrot adds an extra dimension to the flavors. It is wonderful throughout the cold months, but can be just as delicious served chilled as the weather warms up.

Servings: 6

Ingredients

2 medium butternut or other winter squash cut in half and seeded (about 4 cups)
1 cup chopped sweet onion
1 cup coarsely chopped carrot
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
4 1/2 cups homemade chicken stock can substitute ready-made broth
6 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon coarse salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground cinnamon Ceylon or Vietnamese is preferred for a warmer flavor
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground cardamom
1/4 cup heavy cream if desired optional
1 tablespoon fresh minced chives or parsley optional

Instructions

Roast squash, onion and carrot on a cookie sheet lined with foil in a 350F oven for 25 - 35 minutes or until fork tender. Scoop out squash from its shell.
Working in batches, process roasted vegetables in a food processor, adding small amounts of stock and process until smooth. You can leave a few smaller chunks for a more rustic appearance.Transfer pureed mixture into heavy bottomed pot.
Stir in maple syrup and remainder of seasonings. Simmer on low heat for 10 - 15 minutes, then taste for sweet balance.
Swirl in a spoonful of cream and top with chives or parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.

Recipe Notes

The soup can be made up to serving, then refrigerated up to 3 days to allow flavors to mingle and reheated on stove top. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat soup on stove top before serving, then add cream and garnish.

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