The 2 hour cooking time is largely unattended - This is savory and a little bit sweet, spicy, warming, thick & creamy. A perfect autumn soup to sip by the fire pit after a long day of raking. My kids love this soup and ask for it - It's a great way to sneak veggies in to their diet too! This is a three step recipe and I've kept the added salt minimal as commercial stocks are often salty - Please salt and pepper to taste! I also recommend an OXO vegetable peeler for the squash. Change ups to this recipe I've tried: Balsamic vinegar for the cider vinegar - the taste is a bit sharper. Molasses for the maple syrup - a more savory option. A sprig or two of fresh rosemary added with the broth - Awesome! Enjoy!