Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Apples and Bacon

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Butternut Squash - 2 pounds (907 grams)
2. Apples - 2 medium, peeled and chopped
3. Bacon - 6 slices, chopped
4. Butter - 50 grams
5. Chicken Broth - 2 cups
6. Salt and Pepper - to taste
7. Cream or Half-and-Half - 1 cup

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 45 minutes
• Total: 75 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel and cube the butternut squash into small pieces.
3. Place the chopped bacon on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until crispy. Set aside.
4. In a large pot, boil the chicken broth. Add the butternut squash cubes and cook for 20 minutes or until tender.
5. Add the apples to the pot and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and add the butter, salt, and pepper. Blend the mixture using a blender or immersion blender until smooth.
7. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the cream or half-and-half. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Garnish with the chopped, crispy bacon before serving.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings) Calories: Approximately 300 calories per serving (depending on ingredients used) Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 8g

Dish Characteristics:

• A rich and creamy soup with a sweet and savory combination of flavors.
• The bacon adds a touch of smoky crispness to the soup, complementing the natural sweetness of the butternut squash and apples.
• This dish is perfect for colder weather and can be served as a starter or main course.

User Comments:

1. "This soup was amazing! The combination of flavors was spot on."
2. "I loved the addition of bacon; it really gave the soup a unique taste."
3. "The soup was creamy and filling, perfect for a cold winter's day."
4. "I made this for my family and they all loved it! Will definitely make again."
5. "Easy to follow recipe, great for beginners."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to peel and cube the butternut squash into small pieces for even cooking.
• Use fresh ingredients for best results, especially the apples as they can affect the overall flavor of the soup significantly.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste, including adding more salt or pepper if desired.