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Winter squash provides the creamy consistency of this delicious golden-hued soup rather than high-calorie cream or flour. Serve it either hot or cold with crusty whole-grain bread and a green salad.

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Time: 16 Minutes
Servings: 4 to 6

Ingredients:

• 1 (1-1/2 lb/750 g) Ontario Squash (small Butternut or Acorn)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
• 1 Ontario Onion, chopped
• 1 tsp (5 ml) grated fresh gingerroot
• 2 Ontario Apples, peeled and chopped
• 2-1/2 cups (625 ml) chicken stock
• 1/2 tsp (2 ml) dried thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper
• Garnish: chopped parsley

Preparation:

Conventional Directions: Peel squash, chop and measure three cups (750 ml) squash.

In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and ginger and cook until softened, about three to four minutes, stirring constantly. Add chopped squash, apples, chicken stock and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer until squash is tender, about 20 minutes.

Remove from heat and puree in batches in food processor or blender until smooth. Return to pot and heat gently until hot. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish each serving with chopped parsley.

Microwave Directions:

Pierce squash in several places with a sharp knife. Microwave on high power for three minutes to soften peel. Peel and chop three cups (750 ml) squash.

Combine butter, onion and ginger in a large microwavable bowl. Cover and microwave at high for two to three minutes to soften onion. Stir in squash and apples, cover and microwave at high for eight to 10 minutes or until squash is tender. Stir partway through cooking. Add chicken stock and thyme, transfer to food processor or blender, puree in batches until smooth.

Return to bowl, cover and microwave on three for three to five minutes or until heated through, stirring once. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Note: To serve cold, cool to room temperature, cover and refrigerate until well chilled. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Microwave recipes tested in a 700-watt microwave oven. Power level terminology in microwave ovens varies; check your owner's manual and use whichever word or number gives you the same percentages as in the recipe (High is always 100 per cent.) If your oven differs, cooking times may vary.