OUR FAMILY FAVORITE SOUP FOR COZY FALL NIGHTS

There is absolutely NOTHING better than having a warm bowl of soup on a crisp fall day... well, maybe being debt free and living in the mountains overlooking the river or the beach, whatever your preference.  

Anywho.  One of my absolute favorite dish to whip up on the first chilly day is a dish discovered by the hubster.  See, he wanted to use the butternut squash I had purchased before it went "bad"... and if I'm being completely honest, this soup recipe has become a family favorite and one we SLIP into rotation each fall. 

Here's some cool factoids about butternut squash though (scroll down if you just want to snag recipe).  Butternut squash is a type of "winter" squash which means it's typically grown in the colder months.  It's loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, folic acid, beta-carotene and fiber.  

This is NOT one of the produces I usually purchase from the "organic" section yet when I can find them, we snag them from the local farmer's market.  

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP RECIPE 

GROCERIES

• 1/2 tbsp of bacon grease
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 yellow onion, diced 
• 1 butternut squash, peeled and diced into cubes
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• 2 strips of cooked bacon (optional, but seriously... it's bacon!)
• 1 tsp of chili powder
• 1 tsp of parsley 
• dash of sea salt  

NOW WHAT? 

1. In a dutch oven pot, heat bacon grease over medium heat.  Add onion and garlic, cook until softened (about 5 minutes). 
2. Add cubed butternut squash and vegetable broth. 
3. Bring to a boil then cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until squash is softened. 
4. Carefully pour entire contents of pot into blender... I love our Vitamix for this- it EVEN has a SOUP OPTION!
5. Blend until smooth and add spices/herbs. 
6. For added flavor (OPTION), I will add a tsp of bacon grease along with a slice or two of bacon to the mix... then blend again. 
7. Serve in bowls (option: top with crushed chopped bacon bits).  Enjoy!

Definitely one of my favorite soups to whip up in the fall... may have something to do with the bacon, I'm not entirely sure.  Anywho.  If you would like to stay in the loop with what's on our MENU each week... then simply let me know by clicking HERE!  And I'll make sure to send you our weekly menu.  

And if you make the soup, I'd love to hear your thoughts... you can comment below OR better yet, snag a photo and tag me on social!  Until next time.

love + gumption.

a. 

Brain + Gut Health Explorer

PS.  Just wanted to keep you in the loop, wait... does ANYONE say that anymore.  Ugh!  LAME!  Anywho.  My book, NO BRAINERS is coming out this DECEMBER!  It's filled with my hacks to help YOU gain mental clarity, increase your energy and improve your productivity!  Make sure to stay in the KNOW!