Savory Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup just symbolizes fall - partially because that's when you find those funky shaped guys all over the grocery stores. They're creamy, hearty, and nice and orange.

Here's what you'll need

1 butternut squash - around 2lbs in size

4 cups chicken stock (better if it's from scratch. Click here for that recipe)

2 teaspoons ground thyme

2 teaspoons salt

olive oil to drizzle

1 carrot

1/2 cup ditalini pasta (optional)

blue cheese crumbs (optional, but if you like blue cheese - holy crap does this add a new level of amazing!)

First preheat your oven to 450.

Then cut your squash in half length wise. This can be tricky if it's pretty hard, so don't cut yourself please.

Then scoop out the seeds and squishy stuff in the bowl of the squash. I just named this spot 'the bowl' because that's what it looks like.

 Now place the two pieces on a baking sheet, drizzle with some olive oil, and add some salt and pepper. Not a ton of salt and pepper, but just shake it over. And pop that into the oven.

 So I thought to myself, I wonder if these seeds taste like pumpkins seeds. They are both squashes so why not! So I removed the seeds from the squishy stuff and rinsed them.

 Then I covered them with a cajun seasoning and put them in the oven for 10 mins. Out popped some crunchy good stuff. Bake them until they are golden brown.

 It takes the squash about 45 mins to get squishy. It all depends on how big of a squash you get. But bake them until you can stick a spoon and scoop out a chunk like it's softened ice cream.
Now put your chicken stock in your pot and add all the scoops of squash. Chop up a carrot and add the too. And add your thyme and salt. Make sure it's on medium heat and let it bubble until the carrot is cooked.

 Now grab your blender and pour the soup mix in. This picture just looks weird.

Transfer your soup back to your pot and bring to a boil.
 I decided to add some pasta because I love pasta in everything, pretty much. I went with this cute little shape. Make sure you stir it frequently so these little guys don't stick to the bottom.
Once your pasta is cooked, you're done!

 I read somewhere that can be served with blue cheese and I thought, that's crazy! And it is crazy, crazy delicious!