1 onion, peeled and diced
vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1 medium butternut squash that has been peeled, seeded and diced (about 4 cups)
1 apple, peeled, cored and diced
1 qt chicken stock
Salt and pepper
½ cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp Runamok Pecan Wood Smoked Maple Syrup
4 or 5 fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
A few Tbsp salted pepitas
In a large pot, heat about 2 Tbsp. oil and add the onions. Let the onions sauté in the pan until just turning brown. Add the garlic and cook a few minutes more. Add the squash, apple and chicken stock. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook until the squash is very tender. Let cool a bit then put in a blender until smooth (you may need to add some water if it is too thick). Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper accordingly.
In a separate small skillet, heat about 1 Tbsp oil and add sliced shiitakes. Cook until nicely browned and then season with salt.
In a small sauce pan, heat the cream. Bring to a boil and then lower to a simmer. Let the cream reduce by half. Remove from the heat and add the Smoked Maple Syrup and a pinch of salt. Stir to blend.
When ready to serve, heat the soup and then ladle into a soup bowl. Make a generous swirl of the maple cream then garnish with shitakes and pepitas.