CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cups water
• 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
• 1 Tbsp. salt
• 1 tsp. pepper 
• pinch of red pepper flakes

directions:

Peel and remove seeds from butternut squash.  Then cut into 1 inch chunks.  In a large pan combine butter, olive oil, onions, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and squash.  Cook for 10 minutes then add water and simmer until squash is tender.  Stir in cream cheese and remove from heat.  Spoon mixture into a heat safe blender and blend until creamy.  (Do in batches of 3).  Return soup to pan and keep on medium heat until ready to serve.  Garnish with chunks of cream cheese and a basil leaf.  You can also add 3 cups of cooked broccoli to your soup and people will think that you slaved all day making home made broccoli cheddar soup...Ummmmm Ummmmmmm Gooooood!!!

This soup will clear your sinuses and cure what ails you...it's great on a cold night and reminds me of when I didn't feel well all I wanted was soup! (and still do)