Butternut Squash Soup With Maple

My step-daughter brought this recipe to me. She will not normally eat squash, but she loves this soup. CAUTION!!! Before blending, be sure the soup has cooled slightly or it may pop the top off your blender & make a mess & possibly burn you!

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 3  ounces butter
• 6  cups  butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2  cups onions, diced
• 4  mcintosh apples, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1  cup  apple juice
• 8  cups chicken broth
• 1  cup half-and-half
• 1⁄2 cup maple syrup
• 1  lime, juice of

Directions

1. Melt butter in a thick bottom pot over medium heat.
2. Saute onions, apples and squash 15 minutes, stirring.
3. Add apple juice and cook until liquid reduces by 1/2.
4. Add chicken stock and 1/4 cup maple syrup.
5. Reducing heat to low, simmer until squash is tender, stirring occasionally (about 30 minutes).
6. Cool for about 10 minutes.
7. Working in batches, place mixture in blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
8. Return each batch to pot.
9. Simmer on low heat.
10. Heat cream slowly in a separate pot and slowly whisk into the soup.
11. Add lime juice, remaining maple syrup and season to taste with salt and pepper.
12. Serve with a dollop of butter on top.