Farm fresh carrots from Paradise Produce

Butternut squash from Kirkview Farm

Butternut Squash & Carrot Soup

3 cups of peeled and diced butternut squash (approx. 1 small squash).
2 cups of thinly sliced carrots (approx. 4 medium size carrots).
¾ cup thinly sliced leek or chopped onion.
1 tbsp. butter or margarine.
2   14 ½ ounce cans of reduced sodium chicken broth.
¼ tsp. of ground white pepper.
¼ tsp. of ground nutmeg.
¼ cup of half and half or light cream.

In a large covered saucepan cook squash, carrots, and leek in hot butter over medium heat about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 25 to 35 minutes or until vegetables are very tender. Cool slightly.

Place one-third of the squash mixture in a food processor or blender. Cover and process or blend until almost smooth. Repeat with remaining squash mixture. Return all of the mixture to saucepan. Add white pepper and nutmeg; bring just to boiling. Add half-and-half; heat through. If desired, garnish each serving with crème-fraiche, pumpkin seeds, and/or fresh tarragon.