let them eat soup

Last Tuesday I had grand plans. It was my day off and a perfect opportunity to catch up on my life - I was running out of undies, the dining room table was nearly invisible under a mountain of junk mail and the pantry closet was shooting random recycleable items out the door every time it was opened. Well, you know what they say about best laid plans.....

I don't know if it was the weather or if it was the two lonely acorn squash staring up at me from a bowl that kicked my need to feed into overdrive. Within minutes a menu was planned and text invitations sent out and the kitchen madness began. On the menu Winter Squash Soup with Gruyere Croutons, Bratwurst from Dines Farms, Roasted baby brussels with pancetta and shallots and salty fingerling potatoes.

The dinner was lovely, we were four at the table; conversation flowed, wine was poured, beer was drunk and we barely managed to save a cup of soup for our one latecomer. In those precious hours I again remembered how important it is to gather during the colder darker months to share good company, drink and food; to nourish not only our bodies but our spirit.

so with that in mind.....make some soup and share it with those important to you.

http://http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Winter-Squash-Soup-with-Gruyere-Croutons-2997

I've attached the soup recipe I used from Epicurious but as usual I made changes. I roasted the squash instead of peeling and cooking it in the broth. I also roasted a small head of garlic and added it all instead of 4 cloves. I used less broth than required and added more herbs. Make sure you make extra gruyere croutons because only half will actually make it to the table!