Butternut Squash Soup

2 lbs. butternut squash, trimmed, seeded and cleaned

4 cups water

1 T. salt

1/2 cup diced celery

1/2 cup diced onion

1/2 cup diced green pepper

1/2 cup butter, melted

1/4 cup white wine

1 t. tarragon

1/2 t. ground cinnamon

1/2 t. grated nutmeg

1/4 t. ground cloves

4 cups chicken stock

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup dry sherry

In a large pot, cook the squash in salted water until soft, about 40 minutes. Strain the squash, reserving 2 cups of the liquid, and discard the remaining liquid. In a large pot, saute the diced vegetables in 1/4 cup of the butter and the white wine for 5 minutes. Add the herbs and spices. Add the chicken stock and 1 cup of the reserved liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then thicken it with a roux made by mixing the flour with the remaining 1/4 cup of butter, melted. Puree the cooked squash in a blender or food processor with the remaining 1 cup of reserved liquid. Add to the pot and cook on low for 5 minutes, stirring often. Add the syrup and sherry. Mix well and serve.

Makes 12-16 servings.

Trish's Bloomin' Good Recipes

http://members.aol.com/trishanne2/recipes.html