Creamy Winter Squash Soup

Serves 4 as a main dish, 8 to 10 as a first course

This is the type of cream soup that makes a delicious and elegant first course. It is light, very flavorful and sure to whet the appetite for the remainder of the meal. It can also be served as a main dish for lunch or supper with seasoned croutons or garlic bread and a salad. Since most of the preparation can be done the day before serving, it comes together very quickly when needed. The recipe can easily be halved. See the Recipe for Leftover Creamy Winter Squash Soup in the similar and related recipes for a suggestion on how to use leftovers.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter, preferably unsalted
• 3-1/4 pounds butternut or other winter squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 8 cups)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 3 large cloves garlic, chopped
• 4 cups homemade or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup apple juice or cider
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup dry sherry
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Chopped chives (optional garnish)

Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the squash, onions, carrot, celery and garlic; cook until slightly softened, about 15 minutes. Add the chicken broth, apple juice, thyme and sage. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer over medium-low heat until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Remove from stove. Purée the vegetables until smooth with an immersion blender or in batches in a regular blender or food processor. Taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper if desired. (Soup can be made to this point one day ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator.)

Return soup to pot and bring to a simmer. Add the sherry and simmer about 2 minutes. Stir in the cream, sour cream and nutmeg just until hot and well-combined. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chives. Serve immediately.