SPICED SQUASH AND APPLE SOUP

Steps:

• Melt the butter and olive oil in a soup pot over moderate heat.
• Add the diced onions and apples and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
• Stir in the spices, cook for one minute.
• Add the squash and chicken stock, bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, uncovered, until the squash is very tender, about 20-30 minutes.
• In a blender or food processor, puree the vegetables in batches with a little bit of the stock.
• Transfer puree mixture into a large bowl.
• Stir in enough of the remaining stock to make a medium-thick soup.
• Reserve any leftover stock if not serving right away, as the soup may thicken on standing. This is rich broth so if you have any left just add it to your favorite homemade soup or freeze for another use.
• Season with salt and pepper and adjust the spices.
• This soup may be made a day ahead, refrigerated uncovered until cold and then covered to store.
• To serve, in a large pot heat the soup almost to scalding.
• Ladle into bowls and top with thin slices of apple.