Squash And Cider Soup

Preparation

1. Step 1

   With a vegetable peeler, peel the squash from top to bottom. With a large, heavy knife, cut it in half lengthwise. Discard the seeds. Cut the two halves in half lengthwise, and then cut across to make large cubes. There should be about 4 cups.

2. Step 2

   Swirl olive oil in the bottom of a large, heavy pot. Add onion and garlic, and cook slowly until soft, about 5 minutes. Add squash cubes, stock and 1 cup of cider. Cover, and cook over medium heat until the squash is very tender, about 20 minutes.

3. Step 3

   Uncover, remove pot from heat and let rest 10 minutes. In a food processor, puree the mixture, in 2 batches if necessary. Return the mixture to the pot, and whisk in up to 1 cup of the remaining cider, thinning mixture to desired consistency. Season well with salt and pepper. Heat again until very hot, divide into 6 soup bowls and serve. (Soup can be made in advance and frozen, or refrigerated overnight and reheated before serving.)