APPLE AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the peanut oil in a large stockpot over medium-low heat. Add the squash, apples and onion, stir to coat with oil and saute uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the onion is transparent.
• Stir in the mace, curry and cardamom and continue cooking until the onion begins to brown.
• Add the cider. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for three minutes. Add the stock, lower the heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture, partially covered, for another 35 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
• Transfer the mixture to a food-processor bowl and process until the soup is smooth, then return the soup to the stockpot. Reduce the soup, uncovered, over medium-low heat, to about one-fourth. Stir occasionally.
• Stir in the half-and-half, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Pour into warmed bowls and sprinkle the scallions over the top.