What is it about a chilly autumn morning that just screams "homemade soup"?  Cold weather always makes me want to hole up in the house and cook some comfort food.  We have been having a stretch of gloomy weather here in Maryland and this weekend wasn't any different.  I have really been missing the sun. 

To try and cheer myself up and to try something new, I made a delicious batch of Butternut Squash Soup.  This was my first time making it at home and I was very surprised at how easy it really was.  The key is to have an immersion blender.  I recommend purchasing one if you enjoy making soups.  It's a lifesaver.  This is definitely a recipe I will make again.  It was warm and filling, and the thickness of the soup fulfilled my comfort food craving.  Next time, I may add a little bit of heavy cream to give it some extra richness, but this soup is delicious all on its own.

Butternut Squash Soup

(Adapted from Martha Stewart Living Magazine)

Active Time:  25 mins
Total Time:  1 hr
Makes:  2 quarts

• 6 slices thick cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 large white onion, coarsely chopped (about 2-3 cups) [original recipe uses sweet onion]
• 2 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, halved, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 6 cups)
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 3/4 cups water

1. Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat, flipping once, until brown and crisp, about 15 mins.  Drain on paper towels.  [Here you can choose to either discard or keep the rendered bacon fat.  I chose to keep it.]
2. Melt butter in pot over medium heat.  Cook onion, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 15 mins.  Add squash, thyme, 1 tablespoon salt, broth, and water; increase heat to high and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until squash is tender, 12 to 15 mins.  Discard thyme.
3. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until very smooth.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Serve and garnish with the cooked bacon.

Enjoy!