Winter Squash, Leek, and Apple Soup with Cider Creme Fraiche

• 1 large red kuri or other winter squash (4 1/2 lb.), halved, seeds removed
• 1 tart apple, peeled, cored, and quartered
• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 2 medium leeks, white parts only, sliced (2 cups)
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 pinches ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 6 cups Vegetable Stock (recipe, p. 38) or low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 13 cup creme fraiche
• 2 Tbs. apple cider or apple juice

1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. Place squash (cut-side down) and apple quarters in large baking dish.
3. Add 1 cup water, cover, and roast 35 to 40 minutes, or until squash is tender.
4. Cool until squash is easy to handle.
5. Scoop squash flesh from skin; you should have 6 cups.
6. Heat oil in large Dutch oven over medium heat.
7. Add leeks, 1/4 tsp.
8. salt, and 1 pinch of pepper; cook 3 minutes, or until leeks begin to soften.
9. Stir in garlic, then wine; cook 3 minutes, or until pot is nearly dry.
10. Add squash, apple, stock, remaining 1/4 tsp.
11. salt, remaining pinch of pepper, and bay leaf; bring to a boil.
12. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes.
13. Remove bay leaf, and puree with immersion blender until smooth and creamy.
14. Cook over low heat 15 minutes.
15. To make Cider Creme Fraiche: whisk together ingredients in small bowl.
16. To serve, ladle hot Soup into bowls, and swirl with Cider Creme Fraiche.

red kuri, apple, olive oil, leeks, salt, ground black pepper, garlic, white wine, vegetable stock, bay leaf, creme fraiche, apple cider

Taken from www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/winter-squash-leek-and-apple-soup-with-cider-cr-232-me-fra-238-che/ (may not work)